Glenn Maxwell for Sri Lanka tour? Backward step for Australia, says Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting feels that Glenn Maxwell being included in the Australia squad for the Sri Lanka tour will be a backward step for the side. Maxwell has been pushing to make it into the squad for the tour of the island nation in recent times.

In Short

• Australia will tour Sri Lanka and play 2 Tests
• Ponting feels Australia should try to bring in youngsters
• Maxwell last played a Test match in 2017

Ricky Ponting feels that taking Glenn Maxwell for the Sri Lanka tour will be a backward step for Australia. The Aussies will be heading to the island nation in the final week of January, having already sealed their spot in the World Test Championship Final.

The all-rounder has been vocal about making it into the squad for the Sri Lanka tour, especially with the Aussies looking to have an extra spinner in their ranks on the turning tracks in Galle. However, Ponting doesn't feel that it could happen. Speaking to 7Cricket, the former Aussie skipper said that he would rather bring in young talent to the side

"I really can't see how he can. This is nothing against Glenn. He has been a fantastic international player. But I think it is going to be backward step for the Australian Test team if they go back to Glenn Maxwell for a one-off tour. I think they will be better off bringing in some youngsters in and around the group and give them what a taste of it is like. Sometimes going on one of the hardest tours will be, as youngster, will be the quickest ways to learn."

"I will be taking that opportunity over the other," said Ponting.

Would have been different if Australia didn't win 3-1 vs India

Justin Langer, who was also part of the interaction, said that had things been different and Australia weren't assured of playing in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's, then there could have been a case for Maxwell to play in the Sri Lanka tour.

The former Aussies coach also agreed with Ponting that the series against Sri Lanka should be used to bring in youngsters in and around the side.

"Had things been a little different? If the India series hadn't been 3-1, and we weren't assured of playing in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's, then there would have been a case for it. But because we're not, the selectors have a huge opportunity to blood some of the young guys," said Langer.

Maxwell last played a Test match in 2017 and has since been out of the scheme of things. Australia and Sri Lanka will play 2 Tests, starting from January 29.