Where does Maxwell fit into the Australian Test squad?

What becomes more important in a Test match where spinners dominate and runs are hard to come by? Rotating strike? Some quick runs lower down the order? Or maybe someone who could come in as a floater? Well, the answer could be in the picturesque ground at Galle, where two tough opponents, Australia and Sri Lanka, are going neck to neck in the final Test with the series on the line and probably, some WTC points as well.

Australia, announcing that they will be looking at Glenn Maxwell as an option instead of Mitchell Starc for the second Test, came as a significant development primarily because he could have returned to red-ball cricket for the first time since 2019 when he last played for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. 

Although he didn't feature in the XI of the second Test, he was still in their plans.

Does that mean his Test career is back on track or was it a one-off subcontinent thing again? If yes, then where can they place a man who could play the Bazball brand of cricket for them?

Things might seem fancy if Maxi comes in, but won't it be unfair for those battling for a spot for a while? 

The question looms large on Maxwell's future, but who can answer? Probably, Maxwell himself.

With hardly any red-ball practice, Maxwell has to play a defining knock to give himself a chance, but can he come in and deliver? 

It's not just with the bat; he has to perform with the ball as well. His performances in the recent past have suggested that he needs to play in his authentic 'Big Show' style - oops, I should have said Bazball instead - to succeed on rank-turners.

For example, in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, he took on the spinners in a rain-curtailed affair, scoring a gritty 80 to take his team home. This is a regular occurrence with him when he is under pressure. 

We tend to see a new Maxwell coming up trumps for his side. IPL, Big Bash and maybe, even domestic cricket in Australia, Maxwell has always stood up and answered tough questions but, of course, not consistently.

It's not hard to see Maxwell bowling longer spells in the scorching heat but is he required to bowl that much considering the Aussies already have Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson in as premier tweakers. 

What if he is only looked at as a batter in the longest format, and is he sustainable as a long-term option? Who does he replace when they play regularly on seaming tracks?

To answer this, look at Australia's top seven: Khawaja, Warner, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green and Carey. Where do you think he fits?

Maybe, another injury replacement? Kidding! 

The number eight slot is totally out of the reckoning when Australia play their proper seam attack of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood with Lyon. The only possible way is if one of Green or Head loses their form or Maxwell plays an extraordinary knock.

These permutations and combinations can not be answered for now as the Kangaroos team management have gone with the safe bet, keeping the right-handed batter only for bringing in water bottles and towels for the playing party. 

Let's keep the conversation rolling for the next few months. 

Australia's next Test assignment will be against the West Indies, where they will compete for two matches from November-December. Post that, South Africa will reach the Aussie shores for three Tests immediately after the conclusion of the Windies series. 

Maybe, going back to playing some Sheffield matches can help before the crucial series if Maxwell is serious about nailing down the prized Test spot.

If Maxwell has to get back in the mix for Australia, he only needs to persist and grab the opportunity when it presents itself.