Overview
- Maxwell was rested from the Pakistan T20Is for workload management and will rejoin Australia in Sri Lanka before the February 11 opener against Ireland in Colombo.
- He endured a poor BBL with 76 runs at an average of about 15 across 11 matches and only two wickets, along with uncharacteristic fielding errors.
- Ponting expects Maxwell to be picked for the first match based on experience and conditions that favor his batting and part-time offspin.
- He cautioned that age could dull Maxwell's edge but argued the World Cup stage could revive his best form.
- Ponting nominated Steve Smith as the likely injury replacement up front, noting Smith’s standout BBL return of 299 runs at 59.80 with a century.