Ranchi : Back into the Test side after a wait of over two years, swashbuckling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said his partnership with skipper Steve Smith put Australia in a great position after the second day’s play in the third cricket Test against India here on Friday.
Maxwell (104) and Smith (178 not out) forged a fifth wicket stand of 191 runs to help Australia post a mammoth 451 in their first innings.
Maxwell’s maiden Test century also made him only the second Aussie to score a ton in all three formats after former all-rounder Shane Watson.
“Very happy to get back into the Test team. That partnership with (Smith) Smudge put us in a good position. To have that faith shown in me, to produce that innings has been really amazing,” Maxwell said after the second day’s play.
Contrary to his natural game, the explosive right-hander played a sedate knock which came off 185 deliveries, which according to him made him get used to the wicket.
“I felt very comfortable out there, that was obviously something I have been working on. But now we got to be disciplined again. We have got the ball reversing,” the 28-year-old said.
In reply, India finished the second day’s play at 120/1, losing the lone wicket of opener Lokesh Rahul (67) but Maxwell wanted a few more wickets before the bails were dislodged for the day.
“We would have liked one or two more wickets. The pitch was a little bit more up and down, and a little bit more spin today. Hopefully that continues as the match wears on,” he said hoping that his off-spin would come handy on Saturday.
