Maxwell to mix it up

GLENN Maxwell is ready to step up with the ball for Australia at this year’s World Cup with captain Aaron Finch calling on him twice as much as predecessor Steve Smith.

Maxwell is set to play a crucial middle-overs role with the ball as well as the bat for Australia in England, particularly if coach Justin Langer opts to play just one frontline spinner.

The Victorian has averaged five overs per match since Finch took over as captain, compared to just 2.4 overs under Smith. He bowled his full 10 overs three times in recent tours of India and UAE, and followed it up with a fivewicket haul in County cricket for Lancashire. “That’s probably the clarity I have with my role,” he said. “It’s something I did a little in Dubai and India, I started to get a few more overs and get that consistency.”