Following the scintillating purple patch of form that Glenn Maxwell has found himself in throughout the course of this summer, calls to have the in-form batsman return to the Australian Test squad have begun to emerge.
Highlighted by Wednesday's stunning undefeated 154 from 64 deliveries for the Melbourne Stars, Maxwell has once again proven why he is touted as one of the best white-ball players in the world.
The record-breaking knock was the perfect conclusion to another astounding BBL campaign for the 33-year-old, who amassed 468 runs at 42.55 to finish with the second-highest runs tally in the regular season.
Most known for his ability as a big hitter of the ball, Maxwell's display against the Hobart Hurricanes this week was more accurate than outrageous, having hit 22 fours and just the four sixes.
Proving more than capable at the crease against spin, Maxwell's stocks have astronomically risen since the midweek win, even prompting some to suggest he should be part of Justin Langer's squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in March.
Despite the Aussies having brutally beaten England in the recently concluded Ashes series to the tune of four wins to nil, fears have begun to grow as to how Pat Cummins' crew can combat the sub-continent.
Maxwell played seven Tests for Australia between 2013-2017, scoring 339 runs at an average of 26.07, including a 104 against India in Ranchi in one of his final innings in the baggy green.
With Maxwell hitting new levels of form and the Aussies perhaps looking to reshape their squad ahead of their trip abroad, former Australian spinner Bryce McGain has called for selectors to consider Maxwell for the trip to Pakistan.
โHe's a very good player of spin,โ McGain said of Maxwell onย SEN.ย
โHe's proven that when he's played Test cricket in India previously. He scored a hundred in the hottest conditions, the hardest environment, against the best team in their home ground.
Australia will play a four match test series against india with the first test scheduled to start in Pune from February 23. ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE----- / GETTYOUT / AFP / INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE----- / GETTYOUT (Photo credit should read INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images)
โHe does have the different gears to playโฆ he gives you handy off-spin as well, he fields like a jet, so he can add enormous value to that Australian Test line-up.โ
McGain drew attention to the only chink in Maxwell's armour; having spent the past several years away from Test cricket after having a greater focus on the shorter formats as well as stepping away from the game for a short period in 2019.
Despite this, McGain is of the belief that Maxwell would add much-needed value to Langer's squad should he receive the call.
โHe's got to be every chance,โ McGain added.
โThe only dent against that is the fact that he hasn't played a lot of red ball for some time now, so it's going to be a challenge for the selectors to base (his selection) on any red-ball form.
โBut for me, the other part to support it is that no other team wants to come up against him.
โHe walks to the wicket and the other team go โwhat are we going to do? We need to put in a man for a reverse sweep, we need to cover all thisโฆ'
โHe'll put tension into the opposition, and could take the game away pretty quickly if he's batting at six or seven in an all-rounder slot with that handy spin bowling.
โIt's a good quandary to have for the selectors.โ
Maxwell is tipped to be a key part in Australia's upcoming T20 series with Sri Lanka next month in what could be a crucial five-game run should he have his sights set on continuing to be part of the Australian cricket calendar for 2022.
Cricket Australia will also be weighing up a major decision of their own, with Langer's immediate future as head coach no certainty amid present external criticism.
