Controversial all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has impressed Australia coach Darren Lehmann with his handling of criticism over some comments he made and may earn a recall in the third and final one-day match against New Zealand today.
Maxwell was fined by his team mates for expressing his disappointment at batting lower down the order than he expected for his state side Victoria.
He also suggested that decision was because wicketkeeper, and Australian team mate, Matthew Wade, was the state captain and choosing to bat ahead of him.
The 28-year-old was heavily criticised by former players and missed out on selection for the first two games of the New Zealand series, though Lehmann reiterated that was a balance issue rather than anything to do with his comments.
“He has been fantastic, full credit to him, the way he’s handled it and the way he’s been around the team,” Lehmann told reporters in Melbourne yesterday.
“We’ve named the team quite late both times... and he’s missed out last minute and he’s handled that really well.
“I’m really pleased the way he’s gone about it, and I know the players are (at) the way he’s dealt with it.”
Lehmann added that Maxwell was a strong chance to play on his home track at the MCG, but the decision would again be made when they got to the ground and inspected the wicket after rain yesterday prevented them from training outside.
Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, who were both named earlier yesterday for the first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane next week, were unlikely to be rested for the dead-rubber game against New Zealand.
“I would think they would be playing... they’ve got to bowl some overs and get ready for Brisbane anyway,” Lehmann said.
“They’ve pulled up ok so unless something happens in the next 24 hours, we expect them to play.”
The team would, however, still err on the side of caution with returning quick Pat Cummins’ workload, Lehmann said, after he has spent years battling injuries, despite his 4-41 in Canberra where he consistently bowled over 150kph.
“We’re slowly slowly with him,” Lehmann said.
“When you get someone like that that’s coming back and just goes ‘bang’ like that with a performance in Canberra, you go ‘Wow, we just want him in’.
“So you’ve got to sit back and work out what the best way to go about it is.”
The shake-up ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa last month worked with the new-look Australia finally getting a win under their belts, and selectors have stuck by the same 12 for the opening day-night Test against Pakistan.
“We were very pleased with how the team came together in Adelaide after some significant changes following the Tests in Perth and Hobart,” said interim chief selector Trevor Hohns.
“This is a young group with a lot of promise and we believe all deserve their opportunity again in this upcoming Test.”
That means English-born Matt Renshaw will again open alongside David Warner with middle-order batsmen Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson also retained.
Experienced opening batsman Shaun Marsh was not considered as he continues to recover from a finger injury that kept him out of the last two Tests.
“Shaun has yet to resume batting and will have a follow-up x-ray this week that will be reviewed by a specialist,” said team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.
“This will determine when he can resume cricket training.”
Jackson Bird is set to be Australia’s third pace bowler behind Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood with Chadd Sayers carrying the drinks.
The first of three Tests – a day-night affair in Brisbane – starts from December 15. The remaining two Tests will be played in Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).
Pakistan also play five one-day internationals in Australia, having retained the same 16-man squad that recently lost a Test series to New Zealand 2-0.
Australia – Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade.
Glenn Maxwell.
