Glenn Maxwell sparks Ashes interest after epic County feat
The Aussie has returned to form with the bat over in England.
Glenn Maxwell has produced a scintillating knock for Warwickshire in the County Championship to raise eyebrows as Australia reels from the Headingley loss in the Ashes. Maxwell has endured a very tough run in cricket since breaking his leg in a freak accident at the end of last year.
The Aussie returned to the Indian Premier League this year in decent form as he worked his way back to fitness. And in his first County Championship match for Warwickshire, Maxwell took to the bowlers and scored 81 off 67 balls in an aggressive approach.
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Maxwell hit 10 fours and two sixes on his way to 81 having brought up his half-century in 47 balls. Maxwell may not even be thinking about joining the team in the Ashes having just returned to cricket.
However, his brilliant innings has raised questions about his inclusion. Australia lost at Headingley with many of the batters failing to fire on a slightly greener wicket, than seen the first two test matches. Marnus Labuschagne has failed to fire, while David Warner is once again falling victim to Stuart Broad.
There has been plenty of talk about replacing Warner at the top of the innings. Pat Cummins also only used Todd Murphy - in the absence of Nathan Lyon - for two overs in the final innings.
Maxwell's handy off-spin and his form with the bat saw many Aussie cricket fans quickly debate what he would bring to the Australian team in England. However, it remains unlikely with Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green and Michael Nesser all in the squad.
81 off 67 balls for Glenn Maxwell playing for Warwickshire in the #LVCountyChamp
Makes you think doesn’t it 👀 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/WsKkQ3Cgyr— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) July 11, 2023
Could see them swapping him in for Murphy. Batting 8 with Starc Cummins Hazelwood below
— Richard Robinson (@BulletRobinson) July 11, 2023
Welcome back to Test cricket Maxi!
— JackJonesProductions (@JJProductions07) July 11, 2023
Glenn Maxwell 81 off 67 balls today, is it?
Playing first-class cricket for the second time since 2019?
Go on. Do it. https://t.co/KSfhn3mmin— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) July 11, 2023
David Warner's position in question after tough Ashes series
Aussie captain Cummins didn't guarantee Warner would be selected for the next Ashes test after struggling yet again in English conditions at Headingley. Cummins was forced to slap down suggestions England had wrestled back momentum after taking the Headingley test on day four to leave the series at 2-1.
Mitchell Starc did his best effort to tear through the England batting line-up, but didn't have the support from the other bowlers with the host's chasing down the 251-run target in 50 overs. While Australia will have time to reflect on what went wrong in the test, which could have seen them secure their first series win in England since 2001, one of the biggest talkings points will be the position of Warner.
There is little doubt Warner has been struggling for runs for quite some time now. To make matters worse, Australia stuck with the opener despite his horror record in England. With Mitchell Marsh producing an innings to remember at Headingley, calls have been growing for him to open the batting.
And Cummins didn't guarantee the opener's selection as Australia seek a win to wrap-up the series. "You keep all options open," Cummins said. "We've got nine or 10 days now, so we'll take a deep breath. We'll go away for a few days.
"But everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester. Josh (Hazlewood) will be back in there as well. So we should have a full roster and we'll have a look at the wicket and have a chat and work out the best XI."