World Cup 2023: Australia need more from Glenn Maxwell with the bat, says Aakash Chopra

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels Australia will need more from Glenn Maxwell, the batter. Maxwell was out of action due to injury but made a return to Australia’s playing XI in the third ODI against India at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Maxwell was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah with a scorching yorker after scoring only five runs. However, Maxwell was able to deliver with the ball against India, returning with career-best figures of 4-40 and thus played a key role in Australia’s 66-run win.

Moreover, he could only score five runs in the warm-up match against the Netherlands.

Maxwell has scored 3495 runs in 129 ODI matches at an average of 33.61 and a strike rate of 124.69. The all-rounder has the skills to turn the match on its head with his whirlwind batting and he is going to hold the key for Australia at the fag end of the innings.

Furthermore, Maxwell has scalped 64 wickets in his ODI career and can bowl some crucial overs in the middle stage.

“They have not finalized their keeper. Both Josh Inglis and Alex Carey are good players, but who will play in the XI? Maxwell claimed four wickets, but Australia need him more with the bat. This is one area which is still a bit of a concern. Spin is a potential problem that they might encounter,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

Australia have all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott and Cameron Green in their World Cup squad and all of them will have a key role.

Australia will begin their World Cup campaign against hosts India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.

Australia World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.