Cricket World Cup: Teammates back Glenn Maxwell to be the difference for Australia in home Cup campaign

GLENN Maxwell was nervous he would miss the cut, but his teammates are backing him as the man to return cricket’s showpiece trophy to Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Glenn Maxwell of the Stars bats during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 10, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

GLENN Maxwell was nervous he would miss the cut, but after winning selection in the World Cup squad his teammates are backing him as the man to return cricket’s showpiece trophy to Australia.

Aaron Finch — picked to partner David Warner in an explosive opening combination — and cool finisher James Faulkner got behind Maxwell, with the risk-fuelled all-rounder expected to play a major role with the ball.

He and Xavier Doherty were the sole spinning options picked in the 15-man squad.

Finch said the announcement was playing on Maxwell’s mind, but a call from chief selector Rod Marsh on Saturday confirming his place released the pressure and helped the explosive star to a blistering 66 (44) in the Big Bash derby that night.

Maxwell took the second-most ODI wickets for Australia in 2014, with his 16 scalps at an average of 30 behind only Faulkner (19).

In October, Pakistan needed just two runs off the final over for victory but Maxwell delivered a double-wicket maiden to secure a memorable win. His 2014 strike-rate of 107.95 was also Australia’s biggest of players who scored at least 100 runs.

“It was great to see him hitting the ball out of the middle and hitting it over the fence,” Finch said of Maxwell’s blistering knock for Melbourne Stars on Saturday.

“That’s the kind of stuff that can turn a game and win you a World Cup.

“His off-spinners are probably underrated.

“He’s grabbed some big wickets for us and bowled at some difficult times in one-day cricket in recent times and done a great job.

“When you combine that with the skill that he has with the bat, it’s a very exciting package and obviously his fielding is right up with the best in the world.”

Faulkner said Maxwell’s recent training standard at the Melbourne Stars had been impressive.

“When (Maxwell) stands still and hits the ball he’s as good as anyone,” he said.

“You’ve got the option of 10 overs of spin as well and I think he’s done really well in recent times in one-day cricket with the ball here at home. I’m expecting big things from him and the team.”

Finch acknowledged the tough time former housemate Maxwell has endured recently and said some of the criticism was unjustified.

“There’s been a lot of scrutiny on him and a lot of people criticising him,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s warranted and sometimes it’s not and I think for some reason people target him more than others when he’s not playing well.

“When you’ve got a matchwinner in your team you take the good with the bad.”