Tighter defence sets Maxwell up for Ashes

Glenn Maxwell believes the countless hours spent modifying his technique to better suit the rigours of Test cricket will pay dividends in the form of Magellan Ashes runs this summer.

Maxwell conceded he was approaching burnout after a period spent tightening his defence, which had stemmed from a comprehensive self-review that left him none-too-pleased. 

"I looked back at a lot of footage and I noticed a few things creeping into my game," he told reporters. 

"It was a little bit frustrating watching myself bat and going 'I don't like what I see there'. 

"I spent a lot of time behind closed doors doing it myself and I felt like I got a lot out of my training. I was probably a bit burnt out before I got to Darwin (for a camp ahead of the Bangladesh Tests in August-September) but all the hard work in the long term I'm sure will show through."

Maxwell made a breakthrough Test hundred in India in March but hasn't made a half-century in any format since, however the right-hander is less concerned with his recent output and focused instead on fine-tuning his new technique.  

"I trained really hard over the off-season away from the group and did my own thing, and really honed a technique that could bat a long period of time," he said. "I changed a few things technically to make sure I had a solid defence that could sustain long periods of pressure. 

"(I was) making sure I'm not as loose with my hands. I had a very one-day technique where I was able to sort of work the ball sideways with my hands and I got rid of that and made sure I was holding my shape a lot longer."

Maxwell didn't make big runs in Bangladesh – he scored 23, 14, 38 and 25 not out – but was pleased with the manner in which he was able to implement the changes he had been working on, as well as their effectiveness. 

"In Bangladesh, in that first innings in Chittagong, I never felt uncomfortable at any stage," Maxwell said of his 38 from 98 deliveries, during which he spent two-and-a-half hours at the crease. 

"I was able to back my technique for a long period of time. The work I did throughout that period showed me that what I was doing was the right thing."

Five weeks out from the first Magellan Ashes Test, there has already been considerable conjecture over the identity of the No.6 position, with Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright the leading contenders for the spot. 

The 29-year-old believes he has what it takes to succeed at Test level and is eyeing a prolonged stay in Baggy Green, having played his seven Tests to date across four-and-a-half years. 

"I've made no secret of the fact I'm really confident in the red-ball format," he said. "It'd be a huge personal accomplishment to hold my spot in the Test team after I've had a fair few doubters, especially in the long form of the game. 

"There's three Shield games and a lot of guys trying to put their hands up for that position. There's been some guys play some good cricket in that position as well, and there's some good healthy rivalry for it. Whoever plays well hopefully plays well in the Ashes. 

"I'll still be thinking about what's best for Victoria and making sure I'm playing my role for them. What happens after that happens, I can't control that. I'm just trying to make sure I score some runs."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21