Australia captain Aaron Finch cautioned against taking too much from Glenn Maxwell’s absence from nets on the eve of the World Cup semi-final clash with England.
The explosive right-hander has not been at his best in the tournament, scoring just 155 runs in nine innings in the tournament, and there have been suggestions he could be dropped.
Matthew Wade has just been approved to replace the injured Usman Khawaja in the squad and could be thrown straight into the XI.
Maxwell was not at training on the eve of the match but Finch played down the importance of his non-attendance.
“It’s a purely optional training session. You’re reading a bit too much into it,” he said.
“Maxi is someone who 50% of the time comes down to optional sessions. Most of the bowlers aren’t here, Davey (Warner) isn’t here. We’ll name our side tomorrow at the toss, as usual.”
Whether or not Maxwell makes the cut at Edgbaston lies at head coach Justin Langer’s door but Finch would clearly be happy to have the all-rounder at his disposal.
“There’s runs around the corner,” said the skipper.
“He’d like to have scored more but he’s hitting the ball nicely. We know how destructive he can be when he’s in.
“His contributions in the field are up there with most runs saved and he got a great run out at Taunton against Pakistan. And the overs he’s bowled have been really, really key overs for us too.
“What he brings to the game is a still very exciting package.”
Finch revealed he would be spending the night before the game in an unexpected fashion, watching animated children’s film ‘The Queen’s Corgi’.
That will be a last distraction before the real business begins and Finch looks to keep Australia’s proud record at the World Cup going.
“World Cups are very special and they bring out the best in players. That’s why Australia have a very rich history in World Cups,” he said.
“Winning four of the last five (World Cups) is a great achievement. We’re full of confidence going into this game, but England have been front runners in one-day cricket for the last four years.
“It will come down to whoever holds their nerve and whoever holds their half-chances.”
