David Warner, the former Australian opener, has expressed strong criticism regarding his teammate Glenn Maxwell's aspirations to participate in Test cricket, casting doubt on his dedication to the longer format of the game. Maxwell, who has established a formidable reputation in limited-overs formats, recently articulated his desire to join Australia’s Test squad for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka in January 2025. Nevertheless, Warner, now an experienced commentator, has voiced concerns about Maxwell's insufficient preparation for red-ball cricket.

At 36 years of age, Maxwell boasts a commendable track record in the subcontinent, and his achievements in limited-overs cricket in that region have fueled his hopes of earning a place in Australia’s Test line-up.

Recalling his past experiences, Maxwell remarked, “The week or so leading up [to the Sri Lankan Tests in 2022] is probably the most fun I have ever had in practice and training, going into different conditions, working out different strategies and trying to implement them against your teammates.

“My tactics will be the same as I have played it in Tests in the past, backing my strengths and trying to have a really solid defence and backscoring options around that.”

However, Maxwell’s ambitions for Test cricket have raised questions, particularly given his limited involvement in red-ball matches in recent years. He missed Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India in 2023 due to an unexpected injury sustained at a friend's birthday celebration, which further fueled scepticism regarding his preparedness for Test cricket.

As another significant tour of the subcontinent approaches, which is crucial for Australia’s World Test Championship aspirations, Maxwell remains optimistic about a Test return, believing that his bowling capabilities could offer a significant advantage.

Warner criticises Maxwell

Warner was quick to reject Maxwell's aspirations for Test cricket, stating, “If you’re not being selected for your Shield team, then why do you deserve it? You must genuinely desire to play four-day cricket.”

He continued, “Unless he is actively seeking opportunities and participating in club cricket to demonstrate his commitment to Test cricket, in my view, he does not merit that chance.”

Warner's critique is rooted in Maxwell's limited participation in the Sheffield Shield, Australia's foremost domestic red-ball tournament, where he has only played once this season for Victoria's 2nd XI, scoring a mere 24 runs in two innings.

Warner's stern remarks echo a prevailing sentiment within Australian cricket that players must secure their place in the Test team through consistent and committed performances in domestic red-ball competitions. “I simply don’t believe you can keep expressing a desire to play without demonstrating the effort. It’s akin to me saying I only want to play in Australia; one must be seen to be willing to put in the hard work,” Warner added.

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