Maxwell proves his value beyond bat in hand

Aaron Finch made the call to back Glenn Maxwell with the ball, and Australia's captain has been rewarded for it at the World Cup.

Usually known as a match-changer with the bat, Maxwell did exactly that as a bowler on Saturday.

He didn't take a wicket but his 0-46 from 10 overs changed the momentum of the game after the Sri Lankans had got away to a flyer.

Generally renowned as a part-timer, he was Australia's most economical with the ball in their successful defence of 7-334.

In the absence of the injured Marcus Stoinis, Maxwell's importance with the ball has increased significantly.

Not only because he's needed to get through 10 overs, but the lack of a pace-bowling all-rounder means Australia are preferring to pick four quicks and leave him as the only spinner.

Finch is also happy to call upon him, having played with him at Victoria all his career.

Since Finch took over as captain, Maxwell has averaged 5.1 overs per match. Under Steve Smith, it was just 2.4.

Image Id: 2810EF94F59D498EBA5FE75645BD947A Image Caption: Glenn Maxwell's bowling has excelled under the captaincy of Aaron Finch // Getty

"I think at the time, when Steve was captain, Travis Head was in the side, as well," Finch said.

"So I think Smithy obviously rated Heady's bowling a little bit more, and that's fine. That happens. That's an on-the-day decision.

"I think he's done really well when he's had the opportunity.

"He was a big part of us reining it in today.

"With two lefties, he had a nice breeze to bowl with, to across, which allowed him to drift the ball quite a bit and we could shut down one side of the ground a bit easier."

Maxwell has of course taken on a senior role in Australia's bowling stocks before.

He was again the country's chief spinner in their 2015 World Cup success, with Xavier Doherty playing just the one match.

There was however less of a reliance on Maxwell, given Australia picked three all-rounders and three frontline quicks, meaning he didn't always have to get through close to 10 overs.

Image Id: F0F5FACCEBE34444BCCF9F5182E32555 Image Caption: Maxwell claims a crucial wicket against New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup final // Getty

"His bowling has improved," Finch said.

"But if we go back to the last World Cup, he was for the majority of the games, he was our only spinner.

"So he's always been capable of it." 

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs

June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

June 15: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE