Glenn Maxwell’s successful return to Australia’s team
colours with the ball served as a welcome pick-me-up for a group whose World
Cup training had experienced a number of setbacks in recent weeks and provided
insight into a crucial aspect of their strategy.
Due to an ankle issue and a paternity leave, Maxwell
missed the previous games in South Africa and India. However, he came through
in Rajkot with a career-high 4 for 40 to help Australia snap a run of five
straight ODI losses. In order to almost guarantee the victory, it also included
a quick return catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma and a strong delivery to remove
Shreyas Iyer’s off stump.
It was Maxwell’s second ODI since he got healthy again
after suffering a severely broken leg the previous year. Although the effects
of that are still being felt and there is some uncertainty about how he will
handle the workload during the World Cup due to the busy schedule and extensive
travel, there is little doubt that his inclusion in the team benefits Australia
in many ways.
If his bowling can consistently be as efficient as it
was in Rajkot, he may be a viable second spinner to Adam Zampa, allowing
Australia to play three of their big-three quicks, assuming they are at ease
with Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc at No. 8.
“What he brings to our team from a balance
perspective is really, really important for us,” Mitchell Marsh said after
Australia’s win in Rajkot. “There may be wickets where he’s the third
spinner through this World Cup. But just the ability for us to play the three
quicks, a spinner and have Maxi who has the ability on the right wicket to bowl
ten overs, think you see a lot of teams around the world have guys like Maxi;
it gives you a lot of flexibility with the teams you can pick or the way you
can structure your batting line-up.”
The success of Australia will also depend on Maxwell’s
batting. He was defeated in Rajkot by a superb yorker from Jasprit Bumrah, but
a lineup with him at No. 6 or 7 looks more intimidating, especially if he can
regain the form he displayed in 2020 and 2022.
Australia’s middle order has to improve on recent
performances. Travis Head’s absence for at least a portion of the World Cup is
a major loss, but the presence of David Warner, Marsh, and Steven Smith at the
top provides a balance of strength and stability. The productivity has been
less impressive lower down, however, with Marcus Stoinis’ batting still being
an issue, Cameron Green trying to find his rhythm, and Alex Carey a sluggish
starter, and Josh Inglis battling for opportunity.