Mitchell Johnson Backs Glenn Maxwell as Australia's World Cup Skipper

Former Australian Cricket team fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has backed all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, to lead Australia in the ICC World Cup in England and Wales starting from May 30. Meanwhile, Australia will defend the coveted trophy after their victorious run in 2015.

Maxwell impressed head coach Justin Langer in the no seven position in the recently concluded ODI series against India. Langer also admitted that Glenn Maxwell is a key component of the side in the premier tournament. Mitchell Johnson was a teammate of Maxwell’s at the 2015 World Cup, when the big-hitting batsman was a standout performer in the competition, while the pair also played together in the Indian Premier League.

“My decision to pick Glenn Maxwell as captain might raise eyebrows,” Johnson wrote for Perth Now. “But having played with him both for Australia and in the Indian Premier League, I can say that this polarising cricketer is misunderstood.

“He might not be your typical first-choice captain, though clearly, Melbourne Stars have seen something in Maxwell. Leadership has helped him mature, helped to settle him and bring the best out of him. I think we need our sportsmen to have a certain presence and have the confidence to give their opinion in a team environment and he definitely does that. More importantly, Maxwell is a cricket tragic who loves the game and thinks deeply about it,” he added.

Finch has struggled due to captaincy

In addition to, Mitchell Johnson has added that it will be a relief for the incumbent skipper Aaron Finch, who has struggled to put runs on the board since taking over the captaincy. He also made the bold calls to leave out injured paceman Josh Hazlewood and current vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey from his squad altogether.

“Hazlewood hasn’t played a lot of one-day cricket in recent times and I decided the five quicks I selected provided the best balance,” he continued.

“I’ve made another big call with the wicketkeeping position and opted to overlook incumbent gloveman and vice-captain Alex Carey. Carey is an excellent ‘keeper, however, I remain unconvinced about his batting. He has been opening the batting, but that will not be required should Warner be picked after his 12-month suspension,” he concluded.