Glenn Maxwell will be available for selection in 2nd ODI: Steven Smith

After being overlooked for the 1st ODI in the ongoing Chappel-Hadlee Trophy, Glenn Maxwell will be available for selection in the 2nd ODI, Aussie skipper Steven Smith said ahead of the 2nd match to be played in Canberra on Tuesday. Maxwell was sanctioned an undisclosed amount by the Australian team leadership following his disrespectful comments against his fellow teammate Matthew Wade.

Maxwell expressed his displeasure on coming below Matthew Wade in the batting order. During the 1st ODI, there was an awkward moment when Maxwell was asked to carry the drinks to Wade during the latter’s innings of 38 of 22 deliveries. It was Australia’s first ODI victory after losing 5 on the trot.

He faces a daunting task of making a comeback after being overlooked for the previous two series in Sri Lanka and South Africa. With Travis Head performing really well, it makes Maxwell’s comeback chances that much more difficult. Smith stated that his omission had nothing to do with his controversial comments and it was just that they decided to Travis Head another opportunity.

“It was more about giving Travis another opportunity. I think he played well last week. He scored 100 in Shield cricket so he’s in good nick,” Smith was quoted as saying by the Guardian. “He played pretty well today so he’s taken that opportunity.”

“I think they’re OK. I made some comments the other day about the comments he made were disappointing and disrespectful towards Matty and we’ve moved on from that now,” Smith said when asked if everything was OK between Wade and Maxwell.

The hard-hitting all-rounder had earlier stated that it was painful to bat below Wade in the batting order in the Sheffield Shield games and his demotion had hampered his chances of making a comeback into the Test team.

“That’s probably a little bit painful at times. I think probably batting below the wicketkeeper is also a bit painful as well,” Maxwell had said.

“I think the wicketkeeper should be batting at seven unless you’re trying to squeeze an extra bowler into your line-up. I’ve been just trying to bat wherever I can and trying to make as many runs as I can. I got a hundred from No. 8 for Victoria so there are always opportunities to get runs wherever you are in the order,” he added.