Number seven is perfect for Glenn Maxwell: Justin Langer

After winning the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) by 34 runs against India, Australia couldn’t carry on with their momentum at the Adelaide Oval and lost by six wickets. However, in both the matches, the hosts were able to put forth a decent target ahead of Virat Kohli and Co. Glenn Maxwell’s position in the team has been questioned a number of times.

But he has delivered thus far. In both instances, he batted at number seven and has thus far notched 59 runs in 42 balls to provide the finishing kick to the innings’. In the meantime, Justin Langer, Australian cricket’s head coach, has mentioned that number seven is the perfect position for the Victorian and he put forth the left-handed Michael Hussey’s role in order to back his comments.

“I remember the days when Michael Clarke used to bat seven and Michael Hussey used to bat seven. I used to muck around with Huss saying, ‘mate, you have got the best job in the world, you never bat, you get paid a fortune but you never bat because the team is going so well’. But when Maxi can come in an put the finishing touches on like he does, for me, it’s the perfect position,” he told the reporters.

Maxy will be a very important part of our team

Langer also praised Maxwell’s superlative fielding abilities and his leadership abilities in the Big Bash League (BBL). “We haven’t had the success we’d like to and we’re trying different things. And for me, Maxi, he’s probably the best fielder in the world, we love it, it’s contagious his energy. He has been captain of the (Melbourne) Stars, he has got good leadership qualities as well.

So if he can come in and put the finishing touches on like he does, it’s always a nervous time for an opposition (when) you still know you have got a Glenn Maxwell or a Mike Hussey … coming in down at seven. Maxy will be a very important part of our team if we’re to win the World Cup,” he added.

Having lost the second match, Australia are now scheduled to play the third and deciding encounter at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday, January 18. Maxwell would also want to play another substantial knock and cement his position in the side with the World Cup in England and Wales, starting in four months.

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