Former Australian batsman David Warner has expressed his strong opinion on the pressure on Glenn Maxwell to return to Australia’s Test squad, suggesting the all-rounder does not deserve the opportunity given his limited exposure to red-ball cricket.
Maxwell, who has expressed a desire to take part in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, recently played in a Sheffield Shield match against Queensland earlier this year. However, he has not featured in any other red-ball games since.
Warner stated that it would be difficult for Maxwell to secure a place in Australia’s Test team with so little recent experience. He further explained that Maxwell’s limited involvement in Shield cricket means he has not demonstrated the commitment required to earn a Test call-up.
“If you’re not being picked for your Shield team, then why do you deserve this? You have to really want it, want to play cricket for four days. Unless he’s putting his hand up and playing all the club cricket stuff and all that, wanting to play Test cricket, in my opinion, he doesn’t deserve that opportunity,” Warner said.
“I just don’t think you can keep raising your hand and saying, ‘I want to play exactly that.’ You know, it’s like me saying I just want to play in Australia – like, you have to be seen wanting to do the job, work hard and get it done,” he added.
The 36-year-old played seven Test matches for Australia, scoring 339 runs at an average of 26.07, with his last appearance in the format coming in 2017 against Bangladesh.
It is pertinent to mention that Australia is currently involved in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India with the five-match Test series tied at 1-1.
After that, the Kangaroos are scheduled to play an away Test series against Sri Lanka from January 29 to February 10, 2025.
