Maxwell tipped to be a hit at seven spot

AUSTRALIA expects to stay the course with allrounder Glenn Maxwell at No.7 despite criticism from Shane Warne and India plotting vengeance in Adelaide, says boom debutant Jason Behrendorff.

Australia humbled 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 criticized by former Test selector Mark Waugh and legend 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 claimed the key wickets of MS Dhoni (51) and Shikhar Dhawan (0).

Usman Khawaja (59, 81) and Shaun Marsh (54, 70) responded to Aaron Finch’s (6) ongoing form slump with a 92run 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.

Left-armer Behrendorff says Australia is ready for the wrath of India – rated the one nation capable of stopping England’s quest for a World Cup triumph on home soil.

Australia could recall legspinner Adam Zampa in place of Nathan Lyon in Adelaide.