"He Doesn’t Deserve It" - Ricky Ponting's Blunt Verdict On Glenn Maxwell's Inclusion In Test Squad

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting maintains a firm stance against all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s inclusion in the national team for Test matches. Ricky Ponting emphasized that Glenn Maxwell must prove himself in first-class cricket by accumulating substantial runs.

Glenn Maxwell, known for his limited-overs prowess, has had limited opportunities in Tests, playing seven matches with an average of 26.07 and a century in India. He made his Test debut in 2013, and his last red-ball appearance for Australia was in 2017 against Bangladesh.

No One Deserves A Chance – Ricky Ponting

Speaking on Channel 7, Ricky Ponting stated that no player deserves a Test opportunity without a substantial record of first-class runs, emphasizing the importance of playing domestic cricket.

“No one deserves a chance unless you’ve got a truckload of first-class runs behind you. I’m a no, he doesn’t deserve it. But if he gets a chance to go back and make some first-class runs then he can force his way back in,” Ponting said.

The 35-year-old batter’s latest appearance in first-class cricket occurred in July 2023 for Warwickshire, where he scored 81 off 67 balls against Kent. He has amassed 4,147 runs in 69 first-class matches with a respectable average of 39.49.

There’s not a lot of spots up for grabs as far as Tests at home – Glenn Maxwell

Speaking ahead of the Test series against Pakistan, Glenn Maxwell acknowledged the strong competition in the Australian Test team. He expressed hope for a chance during a sub-continent tour in early 2025, emphasizing his suitability for the playing conditions.

“I’m quite understanding the circumstances of the current side. They’re playing some really good cricket, they’re World Test champions. I don’t think there’s another sub-continent tour until early 2025,” Maxwell said.

“So, I’ll keep trying to plug away and hopefully get an opportunity at that stage. There’s not a lot of spots up for grabs as far as Tests at home, but I know that when it does come to a sub-continent tour, I can be a real viable option to hopefully fill a role in that side,” he added.

Maxwell was unable to make a Test squad comeback during the 2023 BGT series against India due to a serious leg fracture sustained after the 2022 T20 World Cup. The injury hindered his opportunity to rejoin the Test team at that time.

Also read: Ricky Ponting Wants To ‘Be The Mediator’ To Resolve Differences Between David Warner And Mitchell Johnson