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Glenn Maxwell the Test batsman

Roar Rookie
8th November, 2016
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Glenn Maxwell is rocks and diamonds, meaning he keeps getting overlooked. (AFP / Theo Karanikos)
Roar Rookie
8th November, 2016
17
1008 Reads

Glenn Maxwell should be Australia’s first choice number six Test batsman.

That statement is likely to cause uproar, because Maxwell is perceived to be just a big-hitting, unconventional stroke player – or simply put, he’s “the big show”.

While he can be described as that, it is often forgotten that it requires a lot of natural talent to play those kinds of innings. However, he’s now matured as a cricketer and he has learned to play a controlled innings.

Just looking at his stats, you can tell he can play Test cricket. His career first class batting average is 41.64, which is just below past Australian captain, Mark Taylor’s first-class average of 41.96.

I’m not saying Maxwell is as good as Taylor, I’m just pointing out that he can play red ball cricket.

In more recent times, his first-class record has been even more impressive.

Last summer he made 392 runs at an average of 56. He managed to do this without playing consistent red ball cricket due to his white ball cricket commitments for the national side. This makes his numbers even more noteworthy.

The biggest thing holding Glenn Maxwell back is that he’s perceived as a big-hitting, destructive short format player, whose technique is not suited to the longer format. However, the belief that if you are a big hitter and an aggressive player then you can’t play Test cricket, is wrong.

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You just have to look at some of the past greats of Test cricket like Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, VVS Laxman, Brendon McCullum and Sir Viv Richards, to see that being an aggressive and destructive batsman can be very effective in red ball cricket.

In fact, I believe that Test cricket will be remembered as Glenn Maxwell’s best form of cricket, if he is given enough of a chance.

The aggressive field settings in Test cricket will work in Maxwell’s favour, allowing him to put opposition bowlers to the sword, and manipulate the field to his liking. Much like how David Warner currently takes advantage of aggressive field placements.

In addition to his already exceptional batting ability, he is an all-round cricketer.

He’s a brilliant fielder who you know will always convert the smallest of chances into a wicket through a breath-taking catch or a dazzling run out. He’s also a very under-rated bowler who would be a valuable addition to Australia’s attack, especially in the upcoming tour of India, where his bowling would be a welcome addition.

Glenn Maxwell deserves an extended run in the Australian Test team batting at number six.

He would be considered one of the front-runners for a position in the Test if it wasn’t for the perception that he’s “the big show”. However, his record speaks for itself and he deserves a shot at Test cricket.

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