Maxwell may also miss 2nd ODI against Kiwis
Australian team’s performance on Sunday, ending a five-match losing streak in the oneday format, probably meant that Maxwell could again find himself on the outer
SYDNEY: Controversial allrounder Glenn Maxwell could still find himself on the outer in Australia’s second One-day International (ODI) against New Zealand on Tuesday.
Darren Lehmann’s embattled side coasted to a 68-run victory against the visitors in the first game in Sydney on Sunday, with captain Steve Smith scoring 164 and combining in a 127-run partnership with all-rounder Travis Head (52).
Maxwell, however, was not selected for the game and was fined by the team for comments he made beforehand to express how “painful” it had been for him to bat behind wicketkeeper Wade for Victoria.
The team’s performance on Sunday, ending a five-match losing streak in the one-day format, probably meant that Maxwell could again find himself on the outer, which Head suggested.
“When you win like we did yesterday, I’m not expecting it to change too much,” Head told reporters in Canberra on Monday. “(But) it’s not my job to do that. I get told where I’m put and try to perform.”
Head said despite his own role in the victory and having played 13 of the side’s 16 one-dayers since his debut against West Indies in June, he was taking nothing for granted, especially since he and Maxwell were both off-spinning all-rounders.
“The pressure is always on in the side. In any Australian cricket side, you’ve probably got five guys that are banging down the door that aren’t in the squad,” Head added.
“The competition for spots is always on. And when you’re in the side, it’s equally as hard to stay in it. You have to be performing, but I am definitely not feeling comfortable.
“I’m happy with the performance but was disappointed to have got out and done all that hard work having got to 50 and helped build that partnership.
“If I can keep performing then I can stay in the side and that’s what I hope to do.”
‘Decision understandable’
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said the decision not to review a lbw appeal on Australia’s captain Steve Smith was the right one at the time as there was significant doubt from even people off the field.
Smith was on 14 when he was trapped in front by Trent Boult, who was convinced he had struck a major blow to Australia’s innings in the first ODI in Sydney on Sunday.
The appeal, however, was turned down by umpire Mick Martell and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson chose not to review. Television replays, however, showed the on-field decision would have been overturned.
Smith, who told reporters that he felt he was out and relieved the visitors did not review, went on to make 164 to guide his side to 324 for eight before they bowled New Zealand out for 256 in 44.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“There was plenty of chat afterwards about that,” Hesson told reporters in Sydney on Monday. “There were two sounds and the possibility of an inside edge.
“From our angle we heard two noises. Macca (batting coach Craig McMillan) and I were going ‘he’s probably nicked it’ and clearly he didn’t. Generally (Williamson) looks to the guy square on in terms of height, the keeper has a good look, is sometimes obscured, first slip sometimes has a better look and he was unsure.
“All that’s got to happen pretty quickly. It was obviously pretty costly in the end.”
That decision was not the only thing to go wrong, with the side making uncharacteristic errors in the field, including several dropped catches, while their death bowling was too expensive, going for 110 runs in the final 10 overs.
Debutant Lockie Ferguson also bowled four no balls, gifting Australia a free hit on the next delivery as he conceded 73 runs from nine overs.
Hesson, however, said a bout of cramp may have affected the 25-year-old, who still impressed with his pace that hurried up the Australian batsmen.
“He conceded a lot with his extras and a lot of that was cramping and loss of stride length,” he added. “Those things happen and can be tidied up pretty quickly once he gets used to that kind of intensity.”