Picking Glenn Maxwell for Sri Lanka Tests will be a backward step: Ricky Ponting

Australia are all set to embark on a trip to Sri Lanka later this month to play two Tests and a solitary ODI against the Asian side. The first Test will be held at the Galle International Stadium, starting on January 29.

There have been speculations about Australia considering Glenn Maxwell for a Test recall. The 36-year-old can bat in the lower-order and his off-spin could come in handy against the plethora of left-handed batters in the Sri Lankan lineup. The Kew-born has also expressed his desire to make a comeback to the red-ball setup for the national team.

However, the legendary Ricky Ponting feels that this could be a backward step in Australian cricket. The former Australian captain suggested that a young player should be picked in the squad instead.

"I really can't see how he can. This is nothing against Glenn. He has been a fantastic international player. But I think it is going to be backward step for the Australian Test team if they go back to Glenn Maxwell for a one-off tour. I think they will be better off bringing in some youngsters in and around the group and give them what a taste of it is like. Sometimes going on one of the hardest tours will be, as youngster, will be the quickest ways to learn. I will be taking that opportunity over the other," Ponting said while speaking to 7Cricket.

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Selectors have a huge opportunity to blood some of the young guys: Justin Langer

Justin Langer, who was also part of the interaction, said that had things have been different and Australia weren't assured of playing in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's, then there could have been a case for the selectors picking the experienced Maxwell to play in the Sri Lanka tour. However, Australia qualified for the summit clash after beating India 3-1 win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Langer agreed with Ponting's suggestion, saying that the series against Sri Lanka should be used as a platform for youngsters to showcase their talent.

"Had things been a little different? If the India series hadn't been 3-1, and we weren't assured of playing in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's, then there would have been a case for it. But because we're not, the selectors have a huge opportunity to blood some of the young guys," said Langer.

Maxwell has played seven Tests for Australia, scoring 339 runs and bagging eight wickets. His last Test appearance came against Bangladesh in September 2017.