Lynn no- show has Big Show on notice
ONE- DAY opener Aaron Finch is the latest Australian cricketer to back Glenn Maxwell, saying the middle- order batsman has changed his attitude to training already.
As the national selectors consider who should replace Chris Lynn in the one- day squad, Finch has pointed to Maxwell’s prolific Sheffield Shield form as proof that his Victorian teammate is a changed man.
Maxwell’s omission was the big story last week when the one- day squad was named for the series against England.
Captain Steve Smith raised eyebrows after the axing by publicly questioning Maxwell’s approach to training.
Maxwell leads the Shield run scorers this season, with a top score of 278. Finch added the Melbourne Stars’ poor form was giving Maxwell more time to build his BBL innings.
“He’s playing some really good cricket,” Finch said.
“The way he’s batting is as good as I’ve seen him in terms of his tempo and stuff like that.
“He’s probably changed a little bit from being all guns blazing from the first ball to giving himself a bit of time.
“In the lead- up to the Shield season, his training was fantastic and I think his results have reflected that over the last couple of months – just pure output of runs in that format.” Finch said the solution to Maxwell’s plight was simple.
“Make runs and make statement,” he said.
Lynn was originally included, but is now out with a calf muscle injury and Maxwell could take his place. Finch was unsure yesterday when that decision would be made.
“They’re probably waiting for one or two more BBL games … before they announce that,” he said.
While the Test team is coming off a 4- 0 Ashes triumph, the past few months have been lean for the one- day squad.
They lost a series in New a Zealand last February, then England knocked them out of the Champions Trophy and India beat them at home 4- 1.
Australia’s one- day form at home has been solid, but Finch said the Champions Trophy failure had stung.
“There are a few scars there for the boys,” he said.
Finch said England boasted a strong one- day side and Australia needed to bat better, especially through the middle of their innings.
“We were probably losing too many wickets through that middle period ( in the Champions Trophy),” he said.