Justin Langer believes number seven batting slot is perfect for Glenn Maxwell

Sport360 staff 09:39 16/01/2019
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  • Glenn Maxwell.

    Australia coach Justin Langer is hoping that Glenn Maxwell’s performance in the second ODI against India will end all debate surrounding his batting position in the limited-overs squad.

    Maxwell dazzled with a 37-ball 48 while batting at No7 in the Adelaide clash which India eventually won by six wickets. The right-hander’s entertaining cameo lower down the order has Langer convinced about his long-term suitability in a finishing role.

    “I remember the days when Michael Clarke used to bat seven and Michael Hussey used to bat seven,” Langer told reporters after the second ODI.

    “I used to muck around with Huss (Hussey) saying, ‘mate, you have got the best job in the world, you never bat, you get paid a fortune but you never bat because the team is going so well’.

    “But when Maxi can come in an put the finishing touches on like he does, for me it’s the perfect position.”

    There have been calls to push Maxwell up the batting order after he was afforded only five deliveries to bat in the first ODI at Sydney but Langer feels that the 30-year-old is best suited to add the finishing touches in the dying overs.

    Langer feels Maxwell will be crucial to Australia's World Cup hopes.

    Langer feels Maxwell will be crucial to Australia’s World Cup hopes.

    “He has been captain of the (Melbourne) Stars, he has got good leadership qualities as well,” Langer stated.

    “So if he can come in and put the finishing touches on like he does, it’s always a nervous time for an opposition when you still know you have got a Glenn Maxwell or a Mike Hussey coming in down at seven.

    “Maxy will be a very important part of our team if we’re to win the World Cup.”

    While maintaining that the No7 spot was ideal for Maxwell, Langer has kept the option of shuffling his batting position around as a ‘floater’ open.

    “I honestly think, despite the debate, that is his best spot in our team for us at the moment and we’ll flick him in (earlier) every now and then when we need a little cameo,” the Aussie coach explained.

    Australia and India are currently level at 1-1 in the three-match ODI series and will meet in the decider at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.

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