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Former Australia captain Mark Taylor says Glenn Maxwell should keep his spot for the World Cup semi-final against England, amid speculation he could be dropped.
Former Australia captain Mark Taylor has urged selectors to stick with Glenn Maxwell for the World Cup semi-final against England.
Speculation has mounted that Maxwell could be squeezed out of Australia's team for Thursday's clash at Edgbaston, after he has struggled for runs in the tournament.
Matthew Wade would then be the man to replace him in the side, with Marcus Stoinis having passed a fitness test on his side strain.
Australia have already confirmed one change for the match, with Peter Handscomb set to make his World Cup debut for the injured Usman Khawaja.
But Taylor, who led Australia to the 1996 World Cup semi-final, said he wouldn't be making such a swift call against Maxwell.
"I think it is really late in the tournament to be blooding someone," Taylor told SEN South Australia.
"Unless Glenn Maxwell is terribly out of form I would be playing Maxwell."
"He's at least been there for five or six weeks and knows what to expect. He is the sort of guy we all know can click and change and win you a game.
"If he comes off at No.5 or No.6, he is the kind of guy who can win you a World Cup semi-final."
Maxwell has spent just 95 balls in the middle during the tournament, however his 155 runs at 22.14 have come at a strike rate of 163.15.
Wade, meanwhile, has been in stellar form for Australia A, with blasting two quickfire centuries in the past fortnight after a strong home summer.
But Taylor questioned the value of those runs, and if they could be used as a true qualifier headed into a World Cup semi-final.
"I'm not sure that is the same as making runs in the World Cup semi-final," he said.
"If you're making hundreds for Australia A against a Gloucester side against an Essex or Somerset, it's probably not their best side either.
"You've got to put that in perspective with playing in a World Cup against quality opposition in a cut-throat environment.
"They are two very different places to bat."
