Glenn Maxwell using Cricket World Cup as audition for Australian Test team

AUSTRALIAN batting superstar Glenn Maxwell says the World Cup is doubling as an audition for him to get back into the Test team.

Glenn Maxwell

AUSTRALIAN batting superstar Glenn Maxwell says the World Cup is doubling as an audition for him to get back into the Test team.

The brilliant all-rounder copped a barrage of criticism for the way he handled his one and only Test against Pakistan in the UAE last year, but now Maxwell is firming for a recall for the upcoming tours of the Caribbean and England.

Maxwell averages over 40 in first-class cricket batting at No. 6, and many believe he deserves a sustained crack at a middle-order position as opposed to being used as a No. 3 as he was in the UAE.

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The 26-year-old has been the standout batsman for Australia so far this World Cup, highlighted by his spectacular 51-ball century against Sri Lanka last weekend.

Such is the demand for Maxwell in the shorter formats, he hardly ever gets to push his Test claims in first-class cricket.

Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell scored his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka at the SCG.

However, Maxwell is confident if he can maintain his current form through the big matches of the World Cup, he can do little more to win his way back to the baggy green as an off-spinning all-rounder.

“The way I thought I was going to get back into the Test team was by playing really well during this World Cup,” said Maxwell in Hobart.

“Obviously putting scores on the board but bowling a lot of overs and taking wickets as well.

“I still think I’ve got a fair bit of work to do to prove I’m ready to have another crack at Test cricket again, but when you’re not playing a lot of Shield cricket you’ve just got to play as well as you can whenever you get the opportunity to play for Australia.”

Glenn Maxwell has stepped up on the big Cricket World Cup stage.

Maxwell says he has nothing to prove to the Australian public, despite the abuse he copped over his last foray.

“I’m not too fazed to be honest,” he said.

“It doesn’t really bother me. The trust I have from my teammates is what I’m looking to gain, and I’m hopefully making big strides towards getting that.”

As well as his maiden ODI hundred against Sri Lanka, Maxwell has smashed half centuries against England and Afghanistan this tournament.

In the first four World Cup matches of his career, Maxwell has produced three of the fastest 50s ever scored by an Australian in the showpiece tournament.