Glenn Maxwell under pressure ahead of Ashes selection

After an underperformed series against India, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is under pressure ahead of the Ashes selection. Known for his explosive batting, he is hoping to tweak his technique in order to add a defensive element that can be instrumental in cementing his spot at No. 6 in Australian Test line-up.

While apart from his own technical problems, he also has to face competition from players like Travis Head and Hilton Cartwright during selection for the spot. Though the question of including an all-rounder like Mitchell Marsh is now out of question, after he failed to do justice to the spot, Marcus Stoinis’ name will be on the radar of selectors. However, the final call will be taken after the Shield fixtures.

Shaun Marsh and Joe Burns also fighting for Maxi’s spot

Since scoring a mature and composed maiden century against India in the Ranchi Test in March, Maxwell failed to surpass 50 in seven Test innings making his selection for the upcoming series against England far from guaranteed. Australia coach Darren Lehmann has said Maxwell’s number six spots are up for grabs, leaving the 29-year-old right-hander in a fix with other options who have a big chance to make a cut with the help of performances in the domestic Sheffield Shield in the leadup to the first Test in Brisbane on November 23.

“I’ve really honed a technique that can bat a long period of time and I changed a few things technically to make sure I had a solid defence and something that could sustain long periods of pressure,” quoted Glenn Maxwell as reported by News Track.

Maxwell’s batting average stands at 26.07 after seven Tests. Top order batsman Shaun Marsh, who has an average of 36 from 23 Tests, and discarded opener Joe Burns (37.95 from 13 Tests) are two players seen making a case for selection.