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Maxwell in the mix for final ODI

Captain Steve Smith confirms Glenn Maxwell is in contention to slot into Australia's top order for final ODI in Perth

Australia captain Steve Smith has left the door ajar for Glenn Maxwell's readmission to Australia's side for the final Gillette one-day international at the brand new Optus Stadium.

Maxwell was originally left out of the hosts' squad for the five-game series, before a hamstring injury to in-form opener Aaron Finch led to a recall of the talented allrounder.

Selectors pointed to his below-par returns from his last 20 games in the 50-over format for Australia and Smith suggested he needed to "train smarter" after his omission.

But having re-joined the squad in Adelaide - where Australia got their first win of the series with a tight three-wicket victory - as cover for Finch, Smith said Maxwell could return for Sunday's clash which is expected to see a 55,000-strong crowd.


"He might get his chance tomorrow, we'll see how we go," a tight-lipped Smith told reporters prior to seeing the pitch on Saturday.

Asked if Maxwell could bat in the top-order, Smith said: "He could. It just depends on what we want to do and who's around. There's no reason he can't bat in the top three at some point."

With Travis Head, who made the most of a promotion to the opening spot with a match-winning 96 in the Australia Day ODI, and vice-captain David Warner seemingly locks at Nos. 1 and 2, Cameron White would appear the most likely candidate to make way for Maxwell should selectors opt to make a change.

Highlights: Scorchers v Lions, Perth Stadium

White has made 3 and 17 since being elevated to first-drop and said earlier this week he had not been given (nor expected) a guaranteed run of games in the position.

Maxwell has spent most of his international career batting at five or below. Allrounders Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis along with wicketkeeper Tim Paine (and fill-in Alex Carey) have filled out the lower-order spots so far this series.

Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey said the strong form of Marsh and Stoinis could make it tough for the Victorian to find an avenue back into the side.

"I think Australia will be reluctant to make that change and bring Maxwell back in," Hussey said on Optus Sport's Stumps.

Mitch Marsh's behind the scenes look at Perth Stadium

"From what I’m reading between the lines they want to send him a bit of a message as well. Steve Smith came out and said he needs to train better and improve his training habits.

"Maybe they’re just getting him back around (the group), get him hungry again and when he does get his opportunity let’s hope he grabs it with both hands.

England Test quick James Anderson on Friday also weighed into Maxwell's absence, expressing his surprise Australia had so far overlooked him.

"I was scratching my head when he wasn’t in the squad at the start of the (ODI) series, and also even the Test series, when he was in fantastic form for Victoria in Shield cricket,” Anderson told Stumps.

"For me, playing against Australia, I would fear Australia more if they had Glenn Maxwell in the team.

"If he’s on form as he has shown in the Big Bash with the Stars, and also with that spinning option he provides, the extra bowling option for Steve Smith, I think he’s a must for the team."

Spearhead Mitchell Starc and Perth local Jhye Richardson are also in the mix to play should Australia elect to change their bowling attack.

2017-18 International Fixtures

Gillette ODI Series v England

Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Cameron White, Adam Zampa.

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

First ODI England won by five wickets at the MCG

Second ODI England won by four wickets at the Gabba

Third ODI England won by 16 runs at the SCG

Fourth ODI Australia won by three wickets at Adelaide Oval

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

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

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

Australia T20 squad: David Warner (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final TBC, Eden Park, February 21