Another Test shot would mean plenty to Maxi
GLENN Maxwell was giving a boundary-side interview in Colombo after the fourth ODI upon news he had been drafted into the Test squad in Sri Lanka when Travis Head hurt his hamstring.
Despite his worldwide worth as a white-ball dynamo, Maxwell had never really got over his lack of Test opportunities after 2017 and had never hidden his desire for more time under his baggy green having played just seven times. With the interview done and the camera shut off, Maxwell roared “YESSSSSSS!”, such was his excitement at being within touching distance of the recall he, and so many Australian cricket fans, have longed for.
It made his visible distress after missing out on a spot in the second Test in Galle that much harder to watch.
Twice in two Tests Maxwell was in the side up until either match day or the day before.
Watching Maxwell in the nets the day before the second Test, one of only three batters to turn up for a pre-match hit, he sweltered under his helmet for nearly an hour taking throwdowns. The difference just before the toss on Friday morning could not have been more extreme, bowling to Steve Smith as a man trying to be enthusiastic while burning inside. There was a handshake from Mitchell Starc and a pat on the back, the fast bowler having got the last-minute nod over Maxwell. But he has to know he’s so close and is in the frame for the Indian tour next year. Cummins said as much on Thursday.
“I think everyone in this squad that was picked had an eye for India as the one that we’re all building towards for next year,” the captain said.
It’s cold comfort for Maxwell at the moment. But it’s also closer to Test selection than he’s been for five years and his celebratory scream, should that happen, might be heard around the world.