Aussie selection mystery solved following Maxwell speculation

Glenn Maxwell found his name on the chopping block ahead of tonight’s final four clash against England, but his fate has been sealed.

Aaron Finch insisted runs are just around the corner for Glenn Maxwell and now he’ll get another chance to prove himself.

Maxwell did not appear at Wednesday’s optional training session, an uncommon occurrence according to Aussie cricket reporters covering the tournament.

No Glenn Maxwell at Australia’s optional training session this morning. Should stress it’s only optional, but he tends to be a regular attendee on the day before matches. #CWC19

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 10, 2019

Optional training for Australia but there’s no Glenn Maxwell out here. Considering his form you’d think he’d want another net session if he was playing... #CWC19 @FOXSportsNews @FoxCricket

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) July 10, 2019

But it can now be revealed that Maxwell will line-up in the team to face England despite the wild speculation.

Australia coach Justin Langer discussed the possibility of dropping Maxwell following the loss to South Africa, but they’ve stuck with the team that has gotten them to this point.

Only the one change will happen for the Aussies with Peter Handscomb to make his World Cup debut in place of the injured Usman Khawaja.

Captain Aaron Finch last night refused to reveal the starting Australian XI.

“Maxi’s someone who probably 50 per cent of the time comes down to optional sessions,” Finch said.

“Most of the bowlers aren’t here, Davey’s (Warner) not here — you’re reading too much into that. We’ll name our side at the toss.”

Glenn Maxwell the great improviser. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

If he was dropped, Matthew Wade was in line to make his World Cup debut at Edgbaston after officially coming into the squad for Usman Khawaja on Wednesday.

Maxwell is known as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, with his strike rate of 163.15 the third highest in the tournament.

The only problem is he’s struggled for time in the middle, facing just 95 balls in nine matches for 155 runs at 22.14.

“I think runs are around the corner. He would have liked to have got a few more runs, but he’s been hitting the ball nicely,” Finch said.

“I’m not bothered about that at all because the way he’s batting, the way that he’s going about his innings, I think there’s some real positives there.

“We know how damaging he is. When he gets in, he can be as destructive as anyone in the world, so that is a real huge positive.”

Glenn Maxwell the great improviser. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Maxwell last week made similar comments, confident in how he was striking the ball despite his lack of runs in the tournament.

The Victorian also adds value in others facets.

Figures last week showed that he had saved the most runs of any Australian in the tournament in the field.

And while he has gone wicketless with the ball, he has gone at less than a run a ball in four of his eight overs while taking the pressure off fellow all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

“I think if you look at his contribution in the field … his great run-out at Taunton to win that game for us against Pakistan in a really tight game,” Finch said.

“The overs that he’s bowled, he hasn’t got the wickets but he’s bowled really tight.

“He’s bowled some key overs for us that have allowed us to mix and match our bowlers through them middle overs.

“But I think the overall package, the three factors that he brings to the game is still a very exciting package.”