Darren Lehmann reveals Glenn Maxwell was never in line for a Test recall

Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann has revealed that hard hitting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was never in contention for the Adelaide Test against South Africa because he had not made enough big scores in recent seasons. The reaction has come after the outspoken Maxi expressed his displeasure over batting at No.6 behind Victoria’s wicketkeeper-captain Matthew Wade.

“The wicketkeeper should be batting at seven unless you’re trying to squeeze an extra bowler into your line-up,” Maxwell said.

The Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and New South Wales Shield was sort of selection trial for Australia’s third Test squad which was supposed to play South Africa at Adelaide. Maxwell was potentially looked as a contender to fill a middle-order position in the national team. The 28-year-old believed the demotion down the order affected his chances of a Test recall. Later on, that particular game saw five changes being made in the starting XI.

But Lehmann said Maxwell was not in the running for a Test berth. “No. Because he hasn’t made 100 for the last two years. You need to make 100,” Lehmann said on Friday (December 2). “Are you going to pick a bloke that hasn’t made 100 for two years?”

Darren Berry, former Victorian wicketkeeper, accused Maxwell of having a selfish attitude. “Glenn, you’ve missed the mark there I’m sorry … that’s ‘me me me’ stuff,” he told SEN. “We don’t really know what’s going on in the inner sanctum. We all speculate in the media (but) unless you’re in the locker room you don’t really know.

It’s a team sport and he’s batting at six, Cameron White’s batting behind him at seven. Cameron White didn’t come out and criticize Matthew Wade,” he added.

Berry said Wade wouldn’t be happy with Maxwell’s comments and the tension could create an awkward environment for Australia with the players set to be teammates during the One-Day International match against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday (December 4).

“I’m tipping there’ll either be a Mexican stand-off or there’ll be a clash of the titans,” Berry said. “I would just say, ‘let’s sort this out. What’s the go? Bang, we’re now playing for Australia, clear the decks and let’s go’. Go out and have a little cold one and a chat and say, ‘what’s going on?’

“What I’m detecting is that Maxwell is not happy behind the scenes, clearly the Vics aren’t happy with him and this has just raised the tension,” he added.