Rookie backs Maxwell value at seven
AUSTRALIA expects to stay the course with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell at No.7 despite criticism from Shane Warne and India plotting vengeance in Adelaide, says boom debutant Jason Behrendorff.
Australia defeated India by 34 runs in Saturday’s one-day series opener at the SCG but the strategy to deploy Maxwell in the lower order was criticised by former Test selector Mark Waugh and Warne.
Australia posted 288 at the SCG against India but England is World Cup favourite for its ability to routinely record imposing 300 totals with an average run rate of 6.25.
“It’s tough for Maxy to bat higher with the batting order, so we will see how he goes, but at the moment I think we have a pretty good balance in the side,” said Behrendorff who dismissed key batsmen MS Dhoni (51) and Shikhar Dhawan (0).
Usman Khawaja (59 off 81 deliveries) and Shaun Marsh (54, 70) responded to Aaron Finch’s (6) ongoing form slump with a 92-run stand that soaked up 111 balls.
Australia prefers to have Maxwell’s high octane strokeplay in reserve if required.
“I am not too sure what his right position is but No.7 is a pretty crucial role in that middle order,” said Behrendorff.
“If we can have Maxi in that the last few overs we know he can hit it to any part of the ground and that is where probably if he gets a few more overs with the ball, you can justify him at No.7.”
While Maxwell faced five balls on Saturday, India’s star opener Rohit Sharma (133) believes the promotion of former skipper MS Dhoni up the order is “ideal” despite Ambati Rayudu’s hold on the No.4 slot.
Behrendorff says Australia is ready for the reply from India, rated the one nation capable of stopping England’s World Cup march on home soil.
Australia could recall legspinner Adam Zampa in place of Nathan Lyon in Adelaide.