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Glenn Maxwell will be shifted to the top order for Victoria in a Sheffield Shield campaign that will be pivotal to his Ashes hopes.
Maxwell is one of half a dozen contenders for Australia’s No.6 spot and will be desperate to make an impact when Victoria launch their season against Queensland on Thursday.
The all-rounder scored a brilliant maiden Test century in Ranchi during Australia’s tour of India but was unable to consolidate his position with big scores in Bangladesh.
Maxwell’s promotion to Victoria’s top four is one of the first big decisions made by new skipper Peter Handscomb, who is virtually assured of retaining his post as Australia’s No.5 for the Ashes.
“I think we’re going to look to bat him a little bit higher and really give him that opportunity to prove himself,” Handscomb said on Tuesday.
“Having spoken to him, he wants that opportunity as well.
“He really wants to get out there and test himself and take that chance, so I hope he comes out and makes as many runs as he possibly can.”
A fixture of Australia’s one-day and Twenty20 sides, 29-year-old Maxwell has been viewed as a subcontinent specialist at the long-form level and has never played in a home Test series.
Selectors have generally preferred the No.6 batsman at home to also offer a seam bowling option, meaning Maxwell will likely need big scores in the Shield to earn Ashes selection.
“He’s done it for Victoria for a long time now and he did it over in Ranchi in tough conditions against India, making his Test hundred there,” Handscomb said.
“Everyone knows that he can do it. It’s about him coming out now and just showing everyone.”
Handscomb’s promotion to the captaincy comes as Victoria look to claim a fourth consecutive Shield title, starting with a pink-ball clash against the Bulls at the Gabba.
The 26-year-old kept wicket for Victoria in the recent one-day competition but will stick to batting in the Shield, ruling himself out of contention for Australia’s Test vacancy.
“It’s something I want to pursue in short form (but) I don’t particularly want to keep in long-form,” he said.
“I’m happy to go over on tours as a back-up but for long-form, it’s too hard for me to do it, especially because I want to bat top-five or top-four for Australia.”
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