Australia’s cricket selectors are contemplating a potential red-ball comeback for all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in early 2025. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Maxwell is being considered for the two-match Test series, which is part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This tour is Australia’s sole subcontinent outing in the current WTC cycle, a stark contrast to their previous season, which included tours to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka within six months.
Maxwell’s Red-Ball Return
Maxwell, who last played a Test match in 2017, has been rested from the T20I squad for the upcoming England tour, suggesting that the selectors are keeping his potential red-ball return in mind. His last first-class appearance was in the 2023 County Championship for Warwickshire, where he scored 81 runs in a quickfire innings.
Team Strategy and Selection Plans
Selectors are reportedly considering various changes to the batting order and squad composition for the Sri Lanka tour. Travis Head might be promoted to the top of the order, with Steve Smith returning to his original middle-order position. Peter Handscomb and Josh Inglis are also potential candidates for inclusion.
Maxwell is expected to play a role in the lower-middle order, contributing with both his batting and off-spin bowling. Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann are likely to be the frontline spinners, with Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, and Mitchell Swepson also in contention.
Challenges and Considerations
Selection chair George Bailey emphasized the importance of adapting to different playing conditions. “What we do know about Sri Lanka is that potentially the surfaces there do give you a bit of a different make-up of your Test side, so it doesn’t tend to look exactly the same as what the Test team over the Australian summer might look like,” Bailey stated.
Maxwell’s Perspective
Maxwell has been optimistic about his chances of a Test comeback. “Just the fact I was able to be on the Sri Lanka tour last year is a sign they still have me in their thoughts and see me as an option,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald in November 2023. He added that the 2025 Sri Lanka tour is something he has been looking forward to and remains hopeful of being part of the Test team again.
Current Engagements
Maxwell is currently playing in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Washington Freedom. His Test career has been marked by intermittent appearances, with seven Tests, one hundred, and eight wickets to his name.
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