Glenn Maxwell has been drafted into Australia’s Test squad on the tour of Sri Lanka.
The Victorian allrounder was called up on Thursday night ahead of the opening Test match in Galle next week as Travis Head recovers from a minor hamstring strain.
Star white-ball striker Maxwell has only played seven Tests, making his debut nine years ago against India.
He also scored his one and only Test century against India in Ranchi in 2017.
Jon Holland, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy will also stay in Sri Lanka following the Australia A tour to help with the Test preparations and to develop their cricket experience on the subcontinent.
Earlier, Head has been added to touring Australia’s bulging injury list, ruled out of the fifth and final ODI in Colombo on Friday with a hamstring problem.
It is understood Head had run more than 15km during game three, with the heavy grounds and humid conditions causing havoc with recovery.
The 28-year-old suffered the minor hamstring strain during the game four defeat but still managed to run more than 11km.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc (finger) and Steve Smith (quad) also remain on the sidelines for the dead-rubber match, after Sri Lanka wrapped up the series with their four-run win on Wednesday.
Glenn Maxwell rarely gets a bowl, no matter what colour he’s wearing. (AAP Image/ Julian Smith)
Having all three still on the sidelines is less than ideal preparation for the first Test, starting on Wednesday.
Australia’s last Test series in Sri Lanka in 2016 ended in an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash.
“There’s a lot of them,” Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch said when asked about the team’s injuries.
“Travis Head will miss the next game with a hamstring injury.
“It’s a bit more of a precaution, just where he fields he does a lot of kms out there and the ground is quite heavy.
“I’m not sure what he’s looking like for the Test matches.
“Starc is still not right…the stitching and where it’s at, it’s just not quite 100 per cent healed so without being able to bowl with tape on, he’ll be out.”
Head enjoyed a breakout summer as he starred in Australia’s Ashes demolition of England, scoring 357 runs at 59.5, including two centuries.
Josh Inglis could make his ODI debut as a replacement for Head, or Australia could opt to play an extra bowler for their last white-ball game of the tour.
Munro Mike
Roar Rookie
Shoulda played Maxy in the 2nd test. btw how bad was Smith's 2nd innings review!!
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Agree, let's see if he gets a run
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yes I get it. Test cricket is an amazing beast, not that I have been good enough to be selected! But...Maxi is a superb player and for whatever reason has had very limited opportunities at that level. I just think it's a shame, that's all.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yeah I get that. But surely he brings a lot to the table. A true all rounder.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Test cricket is a different beast but let's see. Talk of selecting the incumbent Travis Head instead
All day Roseville all day
Roar Guru
A strong team can afford to pick someone like him. A weak team can't afford to not pick someone like him. Unfortunately a middling team too often ends up with 6 so-so batsmen. It won't be disgraced, but equally it won't have the X-factor required to sometimes beat a tough opponent.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Come on Sarge. His talent has talent. How bloody hard is it?
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yeah like ten years!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
You got that right mate. Criminal.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Rosie I have been a huge fan of his forever. He can literally do things that us mere mortals can only wish for. Sure he gets it wrong now and then. Welcome to humanity! We all do!
Clear as mud
Guest
yes it was a double Gilbert Jessop. just ridiculous!
All day Roseville all day
Roar Guru
I've been a fan since watching this- https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sheffield-shield-2013-14-669163/new-south-wales-vs-victoria-669209/full-scorecard In Vic's first innings he enters at 4-77, and scores 94 (from 95 balls) of his side's last 141 runs, running out of partners. In its second innings he enters at 6-9, and scores 127 (from 102 balls) of his side's last 177 runs, again being last man out. That was 8 years ago, and he hasn't played a first-class match for almost 3 years. But he's 33 years old now, and I hope he gets a chance and takes it.
Danno
Roar Rookie
I can’t believe they are even playing over there , Sri Lanka is in major turmoil, the government /the parents of the citizens have totally stuffed up , shame
Anth
Roar Rookie
Seriously. I'd love him in the Test side for his fielding alone. Since Ponting, we have never had a point of difference in the field. Yeah bat Maxwell at 6 or 7, give him a bowl in order to tie up an end, but stick him at point or gully, he will save you 50 odd runs in the field and affect a ridiculous catch or run out. I for one one would love to see him play.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Oh yeah go the Show. Whatever he does it'll make news. Hope he goes out and blasts 200 off 80 balls and takes a Michelle.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Why no brain? Sure, Maxwell may get dismissed playing low percentage shots, but he's always playing in a manner that his teams have wanted him to. When they put him at 3, it was stated that he was put there to be "aggressive." Maxwell played according and got lambasted for it. Terrible tactics, not terrible play.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
I am entitled to your opinion. Thank you.
U
Roar Rookie
It’s been an absolute crime he hasn’t had a chance to play a single home test considering some of the options Australia have selected in recent years. He’d be more useful than Mitch Marsh for starters. Handscomb is worse. Finch is worse. There’s plenty of tests right there maxi should’ve played. Has to play in these tests
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Talent, but no brain. The thing in his favour is that he is no worse in Asia than he is in Australia. As a result he jumps over a few for those conditions (despite averaging 26). His red ball bowling is good part-time, but not all-rounder level as it is in white ball. I can see him playing, depending on pitches, in Sri Lanka and almost certainly in India.
Clear as mud
Guest
They wont pick him sadly They flew him to SA overnight and then still didn’t pick him, but wee happy for him to field, jet lagged and all. Hope they do tho!