Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed strong confidence in all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's ability to rediscover his best form at the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite a challenging Big Bash League season that saw the player struggle significantly.
Maxwell's Recent Form and Tournament Preparation
Glenn Maxwell endured a particularly difficult BBL campaign with the Melbourne Stars, managing just 76 runs at an average of 15.20 while claiming only two wickets. His fielding performance was also below his usual standards, with several dropped catches adding to his frustrations. Currently, Maxwell has been rested for Australia's three-match T20I series against Pakistan but is scheduled to rejoin the national squad in Sri Lanka ahead of their tournament opener against Ireland on February 11.
Ponting's Assessment of Maxwell's Capabilities
Speaking to The West Australian, Ponting highlighted Maxwell's inherent unpredictability as both a challenge and a potential strength. "He can because he always has. I've coached him a lot and he's a really hard player to read what's going to happen because he can have a week of the best training you've ever seen and then come out and it does not happen. And he could have the world's worst week leading into a game and come out and do something crazy," Ponting explained.
While acknowledging that age can sometimes affect performance consistency, Ponting firmly believes the high-pressure World Cup environment could bring out Maxwell's best qualities once again. "If the edge starts to come off, it's hard to find it and replace it. But if anything's going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He's had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia's sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks," Ponting added.
Selection Considerations and Tournament Dynamics
Ponting expects Maxwell to be named in Australia's starting XI for their opening match, with the defending champions drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman. He admitted that recent form alone would not justify Maxwell's selection but pointed to his extensive experience and favorable tournament conditions as crucial factors.
"You couldn't pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they'll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well," Ponting stated.
Favorable Conditions for Maxwell's Comeback
The cricket legend noted that spin-friendly conditions and a relatively gentle start to the tournament could help Maxwell find his rhythm. "He's probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he'll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They've got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half," Ponting elaborated.
Steve Smith as Key Backup Option
Ponting also identified Steve Smith as the leading candidate for a call-up should Australia suffer any injury setbacks during the tournament. Smith enjoyed an outstanding BBL season, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 in six matches, including a century, following his impressive performance during Australia's home Ashes series where he produced two fifties and a hundred.
"His numbers stack up better than anybody else's. But when you've been out and the side's had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it's hard to push one of those two guys out of an opening slot," Ponting commented.
He noted that Smith's perceived role in the shortest format may have limited his recent selection opportunities. "And poor Steve has probably been pigeonholed as an opening batsman only in the T20 game, which probably has held him back a little bit in the last few years as far as selection is concerned. But he's only one little injury away. He's the next cab off the rank and he's ready to go," Ponting concluded, emphasizing Smith's readiness to contribute if called upon.
