SL vs AUS: Glenn Maxwell added to Test squad after injury to Travis Head

Cricket Australia have announced the return of batter Glenn Maxwell to the Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka in Galle after Travis Head was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The two-match Test series will commence on June 29, with both the games will be played at Galle International Stadium.

Maxwell last played a Test match in September 2017 against Bangladesh in Chattogram in a seven-wicket win. Since his debut in March 2013 against India in Hyderabad, the Australian has appeared in seven Test matches, scoring 339 runs at an average of just over 26 with one hundred. He has also picked up eight wickets in the format. The 33-year-old might soon make a shock return to the longest format in Sri Lanka.

“We know Glenn has had some red-ball success in these types of conditions and we’re looking forward to him getting back and playing a good block of cricket through the T20s and one-day cricket,” national selector George Bailey said. “If he shoots the lights out or anyone else does particularly well, there’s always going to be opportunities.”

“A guy that hasn’t played any first-class cricket would be a random pick,” he told cricket.com.au. “I know it’s specific to my skillset and the way I play slow bowling, especially in these conditions, that might have been something to sway them. But I think the way they’ve shown faith in their current squad is brilliant. It’s nice that the door’s not closed but I also thought it was nice that they showed faith in that squad,” Bailey added.

Josh Inglis included in the Australian Test squad

Head sustained an injury earlier in the week in the ongoing ODI series, and spinner Ashton Agar also suffered a side strain. Meanwhile, Matthew Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy and Jon Holland will remain in Sri Lanka to assist with the preparations and to “develop their experience in subcontinent conditions”, according to cricket.com.au.

Holland, Murphy and Kuhnemann all have played for Australia A on the tour. Maxwell although has not played any first-class game in almost three years, has been included in the squad for his ability to play against spin bowling. He is also playing in the ongoing five-match ODI series, which the visitors trail by 3-1.

Australian Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell