AUS v ENG 2018: Steve Smith opens up about his rapport with Glenn Maxwell

Smith had questioned Maxwell’s training methods after his exclusion from the ODI squad.

Smith had told Maxwell to stick to basics rather than trying funky stuff | Getty

Australia skipper Steve Smith's rapport with swashbuckling batsman Glenn Maxwell has become the talk of the town lately, as the captain had questioned Maxwell’s training methods after his exclusion from the ODI squad against England.

Addressing the media after Australia’s ODI team selection, Smith had said: "Just looking at the way he trains, I think he could train a little bit smarter."

The 28-year-old Aussie captain also urged Maxwell to stick to basics rather than trying funky stuff every now and then.

"We've all seen the way he can come out and play and do all his funky stuff and be pretty cool with that, but when he puts his head down he's actually a really good batsman," Smith had added.

Considering that all the remarks were made publicly, there were plenty of speculations whether the two Aussie cricketers are on good terms with each other. Reports claimed that Smith and Maxwell did not see eye to eye and their relationship may be beyond repair now.

However, ahead of the ODI series opener against England in Melbourne, Smith busted every myth by saying that he still shares a very pleasant camaraderie with Maxi.  “That’s between me and Glenn,” Smith quoted when asked about his relation with Maxwell in the pre-match press conference.

“I get on really well with Glenn and it was good to catch up and have a chat,” the Australian captain further added while stressing on his meet up with Maxwell on Friday.

Smith also made it clear that Maxwell’s cavalier approach did not help the team's cause provided the current state of the ODI middle order.

“That’s a big reason why he (Maxwell) is not here at the moment … we need those runs in the middle and it’s crucial that we find them,” Smith commented.

Australia and England are slated to play a five-match ODI series.

Australia ODI Squad:

Steven Smith(c), Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins, David Warner, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa

Itinerary:

January 14, 1st ODI – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

January 19, 2nd ODI – The Gabba, Brisbane

January 21, 3rd ODI – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

January 26, 4th ODI – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

January 28, 5th ODI – Perth Stadium, Perth

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 14 Jan, 2018

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