According to Ricky Ponting, Australia will regress if Glenn Maxwell is included on the Sri Lanka tour. After securing their place in the World Test Championship Final, the Australians will travel to the island nation during the last week of January. With the Australians hoping to add another spinner to their lineup on the turning tracks in Galle, the all-rounder has been outspoken about joining the team for the Sri Lanka tour.
Ponting on Maxwell
However, Ponting does not think it is possible. The former Australian captain stated in an interview with 7Cricket that he would prefer to add fresh players to the team.
"I really can't see how he can. This is nothing against Glenn. He has been a fantastic international player. But I think it is going to be backward step for the Australian Test team if they go back to Glenn Maxwell for a one-off tour. I think they will be better off bringing in some youngsters in and around the group and give them what a taste of it is like. Sometimes going on one of the hardest tours will be, as youngster, will be the quickest ways to learn. I will be taking that opportunity over the other," said Ponting.
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Justin Langer agrees with Ponting
There might have been a case for Maxwell to participate in the Sri Lanka tour if circumstances had been different and Australia had not been guaranteed a spot in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's, according to Justin Langer, who was also involved in the exchange. Ponting and the previous Australian coach both agreed that the series against Sri Lanka should be used to bring in and rotate fresh players.
"Had things been a little different? If the India series hadn't been 3-1, and we weren't assured of playing in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's, then there would have been a case for it. But because we're not, the selectors have a huge opportunity to blood some of the young guys," said Langer.
Maxwell has not played any Test matches since 2017. Two Test matches between Australia and Sri Lanka will begin on January 29.