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Finch backs Maxwell after tough World Cup

3 minute read

Glenn Maxwell hit just 177 runs at 22.12 in the World Cup, as pressure mounts on the Victorian.

GLENN MAXWELL
GLENN MAXWELL Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Aaron Finch insists Glenn Maxwell can still be a match-winner in big games after pressure mounted on the allrounder following his disappointing World Cup.

Maxwell endured a difficult stint in England, entering the tournament as Australia's X-factor but failing to fire a real shot.

The Victorian hit just 177 runs at an average of 22.12, spending just 118 balls at the crease as he failed to pass 50 in any innings.

"He started off really well and got us into some really good positions, even the game against India where he started to build some real momentum," Finch said.

"Again, probably a few starts here and there and probably not like he has done in the past gone on and got the really match-winning contribution.

"We know, we have seen how damaging and how much of a match-winner he can be in the past and we saw in the last World Cup the impact that he had in big games."

Maxwell will still have plenty of white-ball domestic cricket between now and Australia's next one-day series in India in January to stake his claims.

The 30-year-old will also like play a key part in Australia's home Twenty20 World Cup next year, after scoring a century in his last game in the format against India.

Finch didn't shut down speculation on Thursday when asked if management had considered axing Maxwell ahead of the semi-final loss to England.

"You weigh up every possible 11, whatever you think's the strongest 11 to win the game, matching up to England," he said.

"So you put dozens of teams up, dozens of combinations and that happens every game.

"You throw enough stuff in the air, but we were really confident to back Maxxy in to the game."

Maxwell won't be the only one feeling the heat.

Marcus Stoinis averaged 14.5 with the bat and 34.85 with the ball.

Adam Zampa only played four games after taking five wickets at 47.2 early in the tournament.

In fairness though, it was Australia's best players of the World Cup who failed to fire against England.

Finch and David Warner blitzed the tournament but scored just nine runs between them against England.

And while Mitchell Starc broke the record for the most wickets in a World Cup with 27, his return of 1-70 off nine was his second worst of the tournament.

"Our senior guys, myself, Davey, we didn't get going, Starcy didn't get going, Pat Cummins," Finch said.

"Guys that you expect to stand up in big games, we were just outplayed."

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