Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith believes that current England Test coach Brendon McCullum would have selected Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for the Test side. Smith expressed this opinion on SEN’s Sportsday, stating that McCullum would pick Maxwell in tests.
“I’m confident Baz would have chosen him. I know Brendon McCullum, and even though he hasn’t spoken about it, I’m sure he’d have a quote or two about that innings because he would have been amazed,” Smith said.
Maxwell scored 201* off 128 deliveries to secure Australia’s three-wicket victory against Afghanistan, marking the first-ever double century in an ODI run chase.
Smith acknowledged McCullum’s significant role in England’s Test cricket resurgence. Reflecting on Maxwell’s limited Test opportunities, Smith pointed out Australia’s exceptional depth, particularly in the lower middle-order position. He suggested that in a country like New Zealand, Maxwell would have had more opportunities, given his destructive batting style.
“I see a couple of factors to think about. Firstly, Australia has impressive Test cricket depth that many countries wish for. Glenn Maxwell would have featured in numerous Tests for New Zealand and other nations,” he added.
“In the red-ball cricket position where he bats, the middle-order spot, Australia has consistently been exceptionally strong, boasting great depth in that specific area,” he said.
“I would love to see Glenn Maxwell playing Test innings like that occasionally. However, it’s not a common practice, is it? Perhaps, in 10 years time, Test cricket will evolve to suit that style of player. Unfortunately, Glenn Maxwell may not be around to play it,” he added.
Despite Maxwell’s white-ball heroics, he has only played seven Tests for Australia, scoring 339 runs at an average of 26.07 with one century. His off-spinners have yielded eight wickets at a 42.62 average, including one four-wicket haul.