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Maxwell firming for ODI return against New Zealand

Glenn Maxwell is rocks and diamonds, meaning he keeps getting overlooked. (AFP / Theo Karanikos)
7th December, 2016
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Glenn Maxwell, publicly acknowledged for an improved attitude in the Australian changeroom, is in the frame to play in the third one-day international against New Zealand at the MCG.

Maxwell, who was fined for criticising Victorian captain and national teammate Matthew Wade, was forced to carry the drinks as Australia regained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with emphatic victories in Sydney and Canberra.

But coach Darren Lehmann says he has has been impressed by the allrounder’s professionalism and the MCG on Friday could provide the perfect setting for his return.

“It’s his home track. He’s a chance,” Lehmann said on Thursday.

“Once we see the wicket we’ll have a better idea. He’s been fantastic. Full credit to him, the way he’s handled it, the way he’s been around the group and getting prepared to play each and every game.

“He’s missed out last minute (both times) and he’s handled that really well. I’m really pleased with the way he’s gone about it and I know the players are. For him, he’s just got to be ready to play.”

With the ODI series already decided, there was speculation Mitch Starc and Josh Hazelwood might be rested ahead of next Thursday’s first Test against Pakistan in Brisbane.

But Lehmann says he and captain Steve Smith are eager for the spearheads to get more overs under their belts.

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“We get in trouble for (resting players) all the time, don’t we,” he said.

“I would think they’ll be playing. They’ve got to bowl some overs and get ready for Brisbane anyway, and they’re fine. They’ve pulled up OK, so unless something happens in the next 24 hours, I’d expect them to play.”

Lehmann said he had been particularly impressed with the performance of allrounder Mitch Marsh in Tuesday’s 116-run win over the Black Caps in Canberra.

Marsh, whose struggles with the bat led to his axing from Australia’s Test side earlier in the summer, capped off an unbeaten 76 off 40 balls with three consecutive sixes in the final over.

“It’s good to see him make some runs,” Lehmann said.

“He’s got to find his way. My personal opinion is when he’s playing shots, he’s a lot more dangerous.”

Fresh from handing Pakistan their first Test series defeat since 2014, New Zealand have looked far from their best in the ODIs.

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But Lehmann said he knew first-hand how quickly team fortunes could change.

“I think they’re a very good side,” he said.

“As we’ve seen, the game of cricket can work in weird ways. They’ve had a really good Test series against Pakistan and they’ve got some quality players.

“We’ve just played better cricket at the moment. That’s not to say that won’t change tomorrow.”

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