Jimmy Anderson believes possible clash between Maxwell and Langer behind Test snubs
Jimmy Anderson has revealed an incredible story about Glenn Maxwell’s carefree approach to cricket that could be reason behind the allrounder’s constant Test snubs.
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Jimmy Anderson has questioned whether Glenn Maxwell’s opposing style to Australian coach Justin Langer was a factor in the allrounder’s constant Test snubs.
Maxwell gave up millions of dollars by skipping the Indian Premier League to boost his Ashes hopes when he instead played County Cricket in England, alongside Anderson, last month.
But Maxwell’s carefree response to holing out for five runs before a certain first-class victory highlighted for Anderson the contrasting personality between him and Langer.
Maxwell came to the crease at 2/26 with just 13 runs required after setting up Lancashire’s win at Lord’s with a maiden five-wicket haul (5/40).
“Glenn Maxwell’s a very positive player, and just wanted to finish the game quickly,” Anderson said.
“He hit Sam Robson pretty much straight in the air and got caught at mid-off. The ball before he missed trying to hit it literally out of (the ground).
“He came in (to the dressing room) absolutely wetting himself laughing. ‘I need some new bats I think’ — that was his sort of reaction.”
When discussing why Maxwell had played such little Test cricket, Anderson said: “Going off the reaction of him getting out in that situation, and going off what I know of Justin Langer, I think there might be a slight clash of personalities”.
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But the English superstar and Ashes foe told the local podcast ‘Tailenders’ that Maxwell had been “a great influence” and “fitted in as a senior player”.
Maxwell has played seven Test matches but none so far under Langer. The 30-year-old said he was “very blessed” to train on the Old Trafford centre wicket and face Anderson and Graham Onions in the nets.
“I wanted to work out the (English) conditions and I think the training time was what I got the most out of,” he said.
“I faced (Anderson) in the nets an awful lot and stood at second slip for him for a whole four-dayer.
“He just angled everything in around my groin area (in the nets), so that wasn’t very enjoyable.
“He’s a world-class performer and his length that he bowls is impeccable and he rarely misses the spot.
“I certainly tuck away pieces of intel for personal use if I ever have to face him again.”
While Maxwell’s batting in England was modest, he took 14 wickets across six one-day games and one four-day game.
Australia is still searching for a No.6 Test allrounder although Marcus Stoinis has leapfrogged Mitchell Marsh and appears to be next in line.
Maxwell flew to England about 12 hours after the Big Bash League final at Marvel Stadium and has not returned home since.
Australia’s World Cup squad flies to Gallipoli straight after Friday’s final unofficial warm-up game in Brisbane and then straight on to London next week.
Originally published as Jimmy Anderson believes possible clash between Maxwell and Langer behind Test snubs