India vs Australia 2019: Dean Jones Backs Glenn Maxwell to Bat at Number Five

Former Australian batsman Dean Jones has backed the in-form Glenn Maxwell to bat at number five position in the upcoming five-match ODI series against India. Maxwell is in fine form and Jones believes it would be a great opportunity to make the most of it. In fact, we have seen Maxwell is batting at number seven for Australia in ODIs, which many believe is too low for an impact batsman like him.

Maxwell has the skills to change the complexion of the game with his fireworks and his batting pyrotechnics should be well used by the Australian side. The right-hander was at his best in the T20I series against India. Maxwell scored 56 off just 43 balls in the first match whereas he scored a majestic 113 in the second match.

Australia surprised India in the T20I series.

Thus, he was awarded the Man of the series for scoring 169 runs in the two-match series. Consequently, Maxwell will like to continue his good form going for the Australian team.

“Glenn Maxwell puts bums on seats. His hundred on Wednesday was electrifying but what we need from him is consistency especially with the One-day series about to start. He hasn’t put two good scores back-to-back since 2015 where he hit 95, 66, 188, 102, and 42 not out. We have always known that he has the game but consistency has been the problem. And he needs to bat at No. 5 in ODIs for Australia,” Jones wrote in his Times of India column.

On the other hand, Dean Jones had not expected Australia to win the T20I series as India was clearly the favourites. However, the guests came up with an overall performance to surprise the hosts. The visitors were prepared and Maxwell played a key role in getting them through.

Maxwell had put on a show.

“I have to apologize profusely to the Australian cricket team. I didn’t see that coming; I didn’t think they’d be able to beat the Indians but they did it. They had a very professional, well-orchestrated performance against this very strong Indian T20 team. Normally, when you lose you learn more about your team than when you win, but I think the Australians got more out of this series victory than the Indians.”

Furthermore, Dean Jones praised D’Arcy Short who played against the spinners with aplomb. Moreover, Adam Zampa was able to contain the Indian batsmen. Consequently, the former right-handed batsman is hopeful that the Australians will continue their dream form going against India in the ODI series.

The form is gold.

“Now, form is everything. Form is gold. And hopefully the Australians can carry this form into the One-day series and give the strong Indian One-day unit a run for its money. India have to improve their bowling, there’s no doubt. That can be easily rectified; they just need to do better analytics on the Australians, be more patient, hit the right markers,” Jones concluded.

The first ODI between India and Australia will take place at Hyderabad on March 2.