Glenn Maxwell to play for Australia A in first-class matches against South Africa A

Glenn Maxwell, who was overlooked for the Australian Test squad that is currently playing in Sri Lanka, has been given another chance to rescue his faltering career in the longest format of the game after being selected in the Australia A squad that is set to face South Africa A in two first-class games.

Despite being a regular member of the Australian ODI & T20 sides over the past few years, Maxwell has never been able to fulfill his ambitions of being a consistent member of the Baggy Green. A lack of patience that has often seen his downfall in the shorter formats of the game as well is to blame for Maxwell’s total number of Test appearances which currently stands at 3.

However, Cricket Australia has decided to give Maxwell another crack at red-ball cricket by picking him for the tough series against the Proteas A side which will begin with the first match on Saturday. Maxwell said that he was looking forward to grabbing the opportunity with both hands and also revealed that he was not planning to head to England to take part in the domestic competitions there.

"I've decided not to play in England for the first time in four years. It might be a good chance to get a pre-season under my belt and spend a bit of time working on my game," Maxwell said, before adding that though his main focus to improve as a batsman, he was also looking at improving himself as a bowler, especially with Australia set to tour India early next year.

"I was obviously a bit disappointed initially but having a look at the squad they've picked for Sri Lanka, I can understand," Maxwell had said at the time of his omission from the Test squad. "It's a really strong squad and I fully understand why I'm not in it. Competing with Nathan Lyon is always going to be tough. I've just got to improve my batting to the point where they can't resist having me as an allrounder and a back-up to him.”

Peter Handscomb, Maxwell’s Victoria teammate and skipper of the Australia A side welcomed Maxwell’s addition to the squad as a replacement for Jon Holland, who has been called up to replace the injured Steve O’Keefe in Australia’s Test squad in Sri Lanka. Handscomb feels the move will benefit both Maxwell and his side as a whole.

"Maxi is one of my good mates and obviously another Victoria, so it's great for the Vics," Handscomb said in Brisbane on Friday."It's showing we're getting rewards for a couple good years winning the Shield back-to-back.”

"It'll be a great opportunity for Glenn, I know he's been pushing to get back into the Test side for a while now and he's been working really hard, especially on his red-ball game. So for him to get out here and showcase what he can do will be good for him and a great inclusion in our squad," he added.