Glenn Maxwell could replace Starc for Australia’s second Test against Sri Lanka

07.07.2022 - 11:49 theguardian.com

Glenn Maxwell is a chance to make a shock return to Test cricket after Australia dropped a selection bombshell and revealed the Victorian was duelling with Mitchell Starc to play in Galle.

After spin claimed 26 of 31 wickets in the first Test against Sri Lanka, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins revealed on Thursday Australia were considering playing just one frontline quick in the series finale.

The tourists will wait until inspecting the pitch ahead of the toss on Friday before making a final call, with some thought it could be slightly firmer than the first wicket offered up in Galle.

But if Australia do opt to make just the one change and go with an extra spinner in place of Starc, Maxwell will be the man. “He’d play as a spinning allrounder at No 8,” Cummins said. “I thought he was just about the pick of the bowlers in the one-day series, he was excellent.

cricket bowling Test second test Pat Cummins Cameron Green Nathan Lyon Mitchell Starc Glenn Maxwell Australia India Sri Lanka county Glenn

Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 1 Live Score Updates: Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat in the second Test of the two-match series at Galle International Stadium. After having won the first Test, Australia would look to seal the series. Sri Lanka have been hit by a COVID outbreak within the camp and hence many of the first-choice players are not available for this contest. In the first Test. Australia had won by ten wickets and Sri Lanka lost the match within three days. (LIVE SCORECARD)

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