Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels all-rounder Glenn Maxwell does not deserve to play Test cricket for Australia. Maxwell was part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup winning squad but was not selected for their Test series against Pakistan.
Maxwell was vital for Australia as they lifted their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title by defeating India in the final. But despite his heroic performances in the subcontinent, Maxwell was not named in Australia’s squad for their three-match Test series against Pakistan at home. Maxwell last played a Test for Australia in 2017.
Speaking to 7news.com.au, Ponting said Maxwell doesn’t deserve to play Tests for Australia because he hasn’t scored a lot of first-class runs. Maxwell has played just seven Test matches for Australia, scoring 339 runs at an average of 26.08 and a top-score of 104.
“No one deserves a chance unless you’ve got a truckload of first-class runs behind you. I’m a no, he doesn’t deserve it. But if he gets a chance to go back and make some first-class runs then he can force his way back in,” Ponting said.
Interestingly, Maxwell has not yet given up on his Test career. Speaking to SEN, Maxwell had said there are not a lot of spots up for grabs in this Australian Test side, stressing the fact that they’re World Test champions.
“I’m quite understanding of the circumstances of the current side. They’re playing some really good cricket, they’re World Test champions. There are not a lot of spots up for grabs as far as Tests at home. But I know that when it does come to a sub-continent tour I can be a real viable option to hopefully fill a role in that side. So, I’ll keep trying to plug away and hopefully get an opportunity at that stage,” said Maxwell.
