Australia is set to make changes in their One Day International setup after getting inspired by the recent T20I series triumph over India. Previously, Ian Healy had criticized the axing of an able wicketkeeper like Alex Carey and called for the mending of the decisions in the ODI series. Glenn Maxwell, who was extremely successful in the two T20I matches has been persistent about his wish to be promoted in the 50-over format. The ODI series that starts tomorrow, in Hyderabad, will witness these changes taken into account.
Alex Carey, who was overlooked for the preceding T20I series for Melbourne Stars keeper-bat Peter Handscomb, will recommence wicketkeeping responsibilities in the first ODI against India, on March 2. Moreover, Carey played a significant role in the unbroken 99-run partnership with Maxwell in the second T20I in Bengaluru that helped Australia win the series 2-0. Australia captain Aaron Finch has confirmed Carey’s return into the playing XI of the series opener match on Saturday.
Finch also said that Carey will likely bat in the lower middle-order after having opened during the home ODI series against India earlier this year. “Alex has done well when he’s had his opportunities and I know he was really disappointed missing out on the T20 games,” Finch said. “But Pete had done a good job for the Stars and gave us the luxury of playing that extra bowler as well, which was so important at the end of the day. Going forward, (the keeper) is probably likely to be in that middle-order, No.7 spot.”
Maxwell’s promotion confirmed
Speaking of Glenn Maxwell‘s performance in the T20I series Finch said, “His two knocks here were unbelievable. Especially that last one, it was as good a T20 innings I’ve ever seen in terms of a big run chase, where the rate was always hovering around 10-11-12 which makes it difficult to manage your risk-reward scenarios. He’ll get an opportunity a bit higher up the order, no doubt.”
Even though the management hasn’t publicized Maxwell’s new batting position, Finch has confirmed that Maxwell will definitely bat above number 7. “His [Maxwell] record in India is very good, the way he played in Australia, even in the ODIs there was some really good improvement. So, whether that’s six, whether it’s five – I’m not exactly sure yet. But he’ll get an opportunity a bit higher than seven I’d imagine,” Finch concluded.
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