George Bailey Backs Glenn Maxwell's Role As Frontline Spinner For Australia In ICC World Cup 2023

Australia’s chief selector George Bailey stated that Glenn Maxwell will be one of the frontline spin bowlers in the ICC World Cup 2023. George emphasized that it would be unfair to label Glenn Maxwell as a non-specialist spinner, considering his white-ball record.

Glenn Maxwell made his comeback in the third ODI against India after an injury layoff. The right-handed batter failed to impress with the bat, scoring just five runs. However, he made an impact with the ball, picking up four wickets for just 40 runs in his 10-over spell.

Zampa And Maxwell Can Do A Really Good Job – George Bailey

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, George Bailey expressed confidence in the abilities of Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa as their frontline spinners for the World Cup in India, where the conditions favor spinners.

“Think it’s unfair on Maxi to say he’s not a specialist spinner. Think his white-ball spinning record is pretty handy and you could very much consider him a frontline option. We certainly consider that we have two frontline spinners within our first-choice XI,” said Bailey, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.“More broadly across the squad, when you are limited to 15 [players], there are compromises that you have to weigh up [and] which way to want to take a risk. That was all the considerations that we had to take. We certainly think that Zamps and Maxi can do a really good job for us as the frontline spinners and we’ve still got plenty of options for quicks and back-up allrounders.”

Maxwell dismissed Washington Sundar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer in Australia’s 66-run victory in Rajkot. He was named the Player of the Match after registering his career-best bowling performance.

There’s Been A High Workload There – George Bailey

George Bailey suggested that Glenn Maxwell might be placed in less physically demanding fielding positions during the World Cup due to his ongoing injury concerns.

“Glenn’s been so dynamic across his one-day career, not only his ability with bat and ball but just the positions he puts himself in the field. So there’s been a high workload there,” Bailey added.