Glenn Maxwell sacrificed an IPL contract to make a comeback to Australia's Test side

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 12th season missed some of the big names in the world cricket and one of them was Glenn Maxwell. The swashbuckling batsman was released by the Delhi Capitals after a poor season last year and was set to go under the hammer. Despite not being in great form, Maxwell would’ve been picked by any side. However, the cricketer pulled his name back from the auction at the last moment to concentrate on red-ball cricket.

Maxwell was part of the Test squad in 2017 which toured India and Bangladesh. Australia fared decently in both the contests and more than anything, his batting was under the scanner. He scored an immaculate century in Ranchi on a tough pitch and proved to many that he belongs to the longer format. However, his overall contribution on both the tours wasn’t overwhelming and the selectors dropped him.

The 30-year-old though is still harbouring hopes of donning the baggy green once again and in the process has sacrificed the million dollar IPL contract.

I still want to play Test cricket

“This is a pretty clear sign that I still want to play Test cricket. To knock back a chance to play was a big decision and a tough decision. It’s not something you make lightly, but the thought of playing Test cricket again still burns deep. I still desperately want to get back out there and I still think I have a lot to offer the Australian Test team,” Glenn Maxwell said while speaking to the Herald Sun.

He is clear in his mind about getting back in the whites and will be featuring for Lancashire in the whole County season as well. Maxwell has also informed the same to the selectors. Even the chief selector Trevor Hohns has lauded his move saying that he is giving the best shot at being picked for the Ashes which will be played in England later this year.

“Glenn has chosen to go and play county cricket again this year and a lot of that is one-day cricket leading up to the World Cup. He has also chosen not to put his name in for the IPL so that’s all credit to him for doing that. He is genuinely trying to improve himself and give himself the best possible opportunity to have some practice in England leading into the Ashes if he is chosen, leading into the World Cup. Full credit to him for that,” Hohns said.

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