Victoria 3 for 365 (Maxwell 213*, Finch 76) v New South Wales
Scorecard
Having missed out on a spot in Australia’s squad for the first two Ashes Tests, Glenn Maxwell built a case for a spot in the longest format with an unbeaten 213 off only 260 balls against New South Wales in Sydney. His knock put Victoria at a formidable 3 for 365 at stumps, with a significant contribution from Aaron Finch, who struck 76.
In the first three rounds of the Sheffield Shield, which were considered a selection trial for the Ashes Test squad, Maxwell had two fifties and one knock of 45, scores that did not seem to impress Australia’s selectors, who decided to recall Shaun Marsh for the first two Tests. Maxwell was then called up to the Gabba as injury cover for David Warner and Shaun Marsh, and was released for Shield duty after both batsmen were declared fit.
Against NSW, he walked in to bat in the seventh over and dominated through the day, bringing up his century off 113 balls. His impact was evident in the fact that by the time Victoria lost their second wicket, with the score on 162, Maxwell had contributed 115. After that wicket, Maxwell and Finch added 148 runs in 29.5 overs at a scoring rate of nearly five an over. By stumps, Maxwell had hit 27 boundaries and three sixes, while his scoring rate was 81.
While New South Wales’ attack was not as formidable as the previous few rounds – when Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins had all featured – it still included the experienced Doug Bollinger, Steve O’Keefe and Sean Abbott. However, Maxwell’s charge meant they were without much success. Bollinger conceded 90 in his 20 overs for two wickets, while Abbott was also expensive.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo