‘He doesn’t deserve it’: Ricky Ponting makes blunt statement about Glenn Maxwell’s Red-Ball future

Glenn Maxwell made his Test debut for Australia in 2013 and has played just seven matches so far. His last Test match for Australia was against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2017.

Glenn Maxwell’s last test against Australian whites came six years ago. (Image: Sky Sports)

Sydney: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes Glenn Maxwell should not be given a Test cricket return unless the all-rounder proves himself in first-class cricket. The batsman was one of Australia’s best performers during their ODI World Cup 2023 victory. His 201 not out against Afghanistan was one of the highlights of the tournament. The 35-year-old, who has played just seven Tests so far after making his debut in 2013, is looking to return to the longest format.

The two-time World Cup-winning captain opined that one needs to have enough first-class runs under his belt to be considered for the red-ball squad. “Nobody deserves a chance unless you have a truckload of top-class runs behind you,” Ponting told ‘Channel 7’.

“I’m a no; he doesn’t deserve it. But if he gets the chance to go back and make some first-class runs then he can work his way back in.” Maxwell is not part of the Australian squad that will play a Test series against Pakistan.

Maxwell’s last appearance in Test cricket was against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2017, in which his side prevailed by seven wickets. All his test outings took place in the Indian subcontinent.

Ponting’s thoughts were echoed by former Australian player Greg Blewett, who felt Maxwell should have played in the Shield in recent times. “For me it’s a yes because it’s not his fault he hasn’t played first-class cricket.

“He is good enough to play in the middle order, especially on a subcontinent tour,” he added. Notably, Maxwell has only made 44 Shield appearances in his career representing Victoria. Since October 2019, he has only participated in the tournament once. However, he has recently featured in the County Championship after representing Warwickshire this season.

With input from the Agency