Why Glenn Maxwell deserves Test selection

Well said mate. You cannot justify a selection for test cricket on T20 form which is pretty much a game of luck (Jos Buttler exempt but that is due to a lack of options on the English part).

You obviously like Travis Head as a player but... Maxwell is just that bit extra overall whether it be batting bowling or fielding. He has been absolutely robbed as of late but if given the chance I am sure he will perform well for Australia and will likely add to his sole test century.

As you have pointed out, Head brings plenty of Shield experience. He has been playing since he was 18, and captaining since he was 21. I am a little surprised that you have missed the fact that Travis Head has also been Shield Player of the Year and was a Also named Player of the Championship in the National Under-19 Championships ... twice. Thanks for the Stats. I would contend that Maxwell makes his runs on the road that is the MCG. He has also playing in many of those internationals that Maxwell has been playing in and is pretty much entrenched in that side (often playing as the swingman). PS: It was Saurabh that suggested Maxwell does not bat at 3 or 4 and will bat at 6. I merely suggested that Maxwell hasn't been batting at No 6. I guess we will have to agree to disagree (and time will tell where the selectors turn).

"How does Travis Head line up over the past 3 years compared to say … Maxwell?" Glad you asked. Maxwell has 1228 runs at 47 (often away with Australian limited overs squad so not heaps of runs, great average though). Head: 2104 runs at 41, playing just about every game. So Maxwell has a comfortably better record over the past three Shield seasons despite not having a consistent run at it. Also, not sure what your point is regarding Maxwell not batting at 6. For one thing, Head doesn't bat there either, and for another thing, 3 is a much harder position than 6 and hence runs are more valuable there. Head is younger. Yes. But our current batting lineup is woefully inexperienced. We certainly don't need an injection of youth.

Being selective with statistics could throw up some unexpected outcomes and can backfire pretty quickly. I prefer more than 1 year as an indicator of change - perhaps 3. How does Travis Head line up over the past 3 years compared to say ... Maxwell? Maxwell has changed his game at age 29. Head has matured his game to become more consistent at age 24! Also, has Maxwell made those runs in 2017/18 Shield that you seem so enamored with at number 6? No? Didn't think so! Were those runs made on the flat road that is the MCG? Yes? I thought so! Is Maxwell a future candidate for Australian skipper? Certainly not! ... One player represents the future. The other is Maxwell!

As much as I love Maxwell, and as much as Handscomb probably shouldn't have been in the SA squad from the start, I reckon it would be savage to drop him after that disastrous 4th Test. I think we need to cut the players in that XI some slack, they were in no shape to be playing Test cricket against a supremely strong and confident SA side. In any case, Mitch Marsh is injured so Handscomb will almost certainly play our next Test, with Maxi coming in at 6.

You may be right. I just think that many people, including the selectors, have got him completely backwards. His first class stats are way up there with the best in the country bar Warner and Smith yet it's his mercurial white ball performances that determine people's perception of him.

His stats do not stack up over the past year to someone like Callum Ferguson or George Bailey? Over the past few years then he doesn't stack up to Travis Head at First Class level (and he can bowl a few overs as well if needed). Pick him in the T20 by all means but surely you can see that he has had his chance at Test level and it is time for others to be given a go ... unless you are running with the irrational suggestion that he has been hard done by with a Test batting average of 26 and a bowling average of 42 across his 7 tests!

I like it; it would be wonderful if Maxi could finally have an opportunity in a home test too. Burns, Renshaw, Khawaja, S.Marsh, Maxwell, M.Marsh, Paine First reserve batsman Ferguson or Handscomb

He did pretty good at the last World Cup.

I think ODIs have actually been his worst format. I mean, he was just man of the tournament in the T20I tri-series against NZ and England. I think much of that has to do with him being asked to play the wrong role in ODIs though.

The past year tends to be the most relevant, Pedro. Besides, he has a first class average over 40 (from 59 matches) and a test century in India. Not many other players can boast that. Throw in the fact he is an electric fielder and a handy part-time offie, as well as the fact he was just about next in line at the start of last summer when Warner and Smith were in the side, and it's a no-brainer. Unless, of course, you just have an irrational dislike of the bloke.

"There is no question about his talent and skills in shorter formats" This is one thing that I kind of have to disagree with. It's confused me over Maxwell's career how people have said "he's a great white ball player, but I have doubts about his red ball game" when his red ball record is actually much, much better than his T20 or List A records. His characterisation as a white ball genius who might not have the temperament for Test cricket just doesn't make sense. T20, in my opinion, is comfortably his worst format. In any case, if he can't get a game after we lose our two best batsmen, I don't know what the selectors are getting paid for. My cynical side expects that he'll be brought into the side for the UAE tour because of his "ability to play spin" and "his good record in Asia", and then promptly jettisoned yet again when the home summer comes around after the entire batting lineup falls apart.

He is mostly preferred in the shorter formats, but his failure in the recently concluded IPL gives a lot of doubt about his abilities.

Yes! He undoubtedly has the talent and has proven in the past that he can be a game-changer, both with the bat and in the field. He is thankfully now not fighting the lack of support from the previous coach and total disinterest from the previous captain, and may well prosper.

There are plenty of players that have performed equally as well or better at Shield level over the past year and surely they should be given a chance as well. It seems that only the past year counts and all past indiscretions and performances must be forgotten because it suits your argument.

Yes. Ahead of Handscomb, or ahead of Mitch marsh if not fit. 1. Renshaw 2. Burns 3. Khawaja 4. SMarsh 5. Maxwell 6. MMarsh