Ian Healy reckons Glenn Maxwell is the front runner for a place in the Ashes squad

Although Australia returned home from India earlier this year without the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with them, Glenn Maxwell surely returned with a lot of newfound confidence. The flamboyant all-rounder scored his maiden Test ton in Ranchi and followed it up with another crucial 45 in Dharamsala. And with that confidence, the Victorian player would be eyeing a spot in the biggest rivalry on their calendar, the Ashes.

Australia often have adopted a tendency of playing a seam-bowling all-rounder in the top six when they play Tests at home, which is why Maxwell’s chances may become dim. However, the right arm off-break bowler has inspired the confidence of former Australian cricketer Ian Healy, who feels that the 28-year-old deserves a place in the Ashes squad after his performance in India.

The specialist wicketkeeper was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au, “It’s hard not to give to Maxwell after that century he made in India. It was a wonderful century, I’ve never seen him bat so well.  His footwork that day was the best I’d seen in a long, long time.  I hope he can start the summer like that and really apply himself and showcase those kind of skills once again when conditions aren’t going to be as tough as they were in India.  He’s the frontrunner but his part-time bowling is not getting used so is there someone who could bat at No.6 even better?”

Ian Chappell has his concerns 

However, Ian Chappell in his opinion feels it is too early to decide if Maxwell can replicate his performances from India in the Ashes. Chappell was expressive in his concerns about Maxwell’s inability to play short-pitched bowling.

“Maxwell would have to prove himself as a batsman at No.6 in Australia, in my mind,” Chappell said.  “I think you’ll see a bit more short-pitched bowling in Australia. There’s no doubt he’s got the skill to do the job and if he shows the sort of patience he showed in making that hundred in India then he could the position down no problem at all.  He could certainly be your second spinner but I just get the feeling Steve Smith likes that extra seamer up his sleeve,” he added.