Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to rediscover his spark in the upcoming T20 World Cup, insisting a difficult Big Bash League season should not define what the all-rounder can do on the biggest stage. Maxwell endured a tough BBL campaign with the Melbourne Stars, scoring just 76 runs at an average of 15.20, taking two wickets and struggling with a few dropped catches in the field. He was rested for Australia’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan but is set to rejoin the squad in Sri Lanka before the tournament opens against Ireland on February 11.
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Speaking to The West Australian, Ponting highlighted Maxwell’s unpredictability as both a challenge and a strength. “He can because he’s always done that. I’ve coached him a lot and he’s a really tough player to read what’s going to happen because he can have the best week of training you’ve ever seen and then it comes out and it doesn’t happen. And he could have the worst week in the world that results in a game and he comes out and does something crazy,” Ponting said. Ponting acknowledges that age can play a role, but believes the World Cup environment could bring out the best in Maxwell again. “If the edge starts to come off, it’s hard to find and replace it. But if it gets something out of him, the World Cup will do it. He’s had some pretty amazing moments at World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia’s sake he’ll have a few more in the next few weeks.” Ponting expects Maxwell to be named in Australia’s XI for the opening match, with the defending champions drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. He admitted that recent form alone did not justify selection, but pointed to experience and conditions as key factors. “You couldn’t pick him at the moment because of what everyone else in this team has done through the BBL. But they will pick him because of his experience and probably the conditions as well,” Ponting said. He added that the presence of spin-friendly conditions and a relatively soft start to the tournament could help Maxwell find a rhythm. “He’ll probably face a lot of spinners and give the option of being able to bowl as well. They’ve got some pretty simple games and that could be just what he needs to get in touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that could hold him in good stead for the back half.” Ponting also named Steve Smith as the main candidate for a call-up should Australia suffer any injury setbacks. Smith enjoyed an outstanding BBL, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 in six matches, including a century, after producing two fifties and a hundred during Australia’s home Ashes series. “His numbers are better than anybody else’s. But when you’ve been out there and the side has had some success and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it’s hard to push one of those two guys out of the starting position,” Ponting said. He noted that Smith’s role in the shortest format may have limited his recent opportunities. “And poor Steve has probably only been listed as an opening batsman in T20s, which has probably held him back a bit in terms of selection in the last few years. But he’s just got one little injury to spare. He’s another taxi out of the order and he’s ready to go.”
