‘Match-winner’ Maxwell should play all three formats for Australia: Warne

Melbourne [Australia]: Legendary spinner Shane Warne has come in support of under-fire Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, saying he is a match-winner who should be playing for the team in all three formats.

Maxwell, who was sanctioned an undisclosed amount by the team leadership group following his recent comments about Bushrangers teammate and captain Matthew Wade, was controversially looked over for the Chappell-Hadlee series opener at the SCG on Sunday against New Zealand, which Australia won by 68 runs.

However, Warne has urged Australia’s selectors to simply “get him in”.

The Australian great said Maxwell’s all-round talents will be vital for Australia during the Test series in India in February.

” Glenn Maxwell is a super talent and I’d like to see him in Australian colours in all forms of the game,” Warne was quoted as saying by news.com.au. “If there’s a spot for him, if he’s making runs, get him in.”

The mercurial all-rounder has his sights set on earning a place on Australia’s Test tour of India in February-March, and he could be a feasible candidate if the selectors decide a fifth bowling option is required in the XI.

The Victorian legend reckons Maxwell could still be a serious contender for India Tour.

“He’s going to play some ridiculous, stupid shots,” Warne said. “But you’ve got to take the good with the bad because out of 10 games he plays, he’ll probably win you two off his own bat.”

“He’s a guy who has got flair and imagination. He’s a match-winner,” he insisted.

Australia’s tour to India will begin from February 23 when the first Test would be played in Pune, followed by games at Bengaluru (March 4-8), Ranchi (March 16-20) and Dharamsala (March 25-29). (ANI)