A polarising figure in Australian cricket but whatever your thoughts on his abilities few can argue hes been one of the worst treated recently. Wanted to play county cricket and got blocked in 2018 to be fit for the Australian tour to Sri Lanka then got overlooked for both the A squad and now once again leaving behind riches of IPL to chase county cricket to make the Ashes and being told to focus on white ball cricket- but only being selected to bat at 7. 

He made a brilliant hundred in India and whilst had a lean run after it showed hes more than got the ability to dig in and be a good test cricketer and whilst we were wasting time with less talented cricketers (Marnus Labuschagne has a worst batting and bowling record) against India his match winning middle order batting, leadership and experience would have been massively appreciated. Hes got a FC of 41, despite Langer saying weve got to select players with averages in the 30s because theres no one knocking the door down. 

Maxie is not the only cricketer to have been treated shabbily. Cameron White too. The Bear seems to mature like fine wine yet continues to be omitted from national sides. Despite being one of very few to average more than @40 in FC cricket. Ashton Agar has also had plenty of kicks to the guts. He has been picked in successive Australian squads including A sides as well as in our international limited overs formats .. yet never seems to actually get a game. Meanwhile he is missing the chance to  make a claim for loftier honors by missing out  vital in Shield cricket. He must be tearing out what is left of his balding scalp.