Victoria in charge after Maxwell hammers rapid double-ton

Having missed out on a spot in the squad for the first two Ashes Tests, Glenn Maxwell made a statement with an unbeaten 213 off only 260 balls against New South Wales in Sydney, as Australia's top order struggled against England at the Gabba. Maxwell's innings took Victoria to 3 for 365 at stumps, with a significant contribution from Aaron Finch, who struck 76.

In the first three rounds of the Sheffield Shield, which were considered a selection trial for the Ashes squad, Maxwell had two fifties and one knock of 45, scores that did not seem to impress Australia's selectors, who decided to recall Shaun Marsh for the first two Tests. Maxwell was then called up to the Gabba as injury cover for David Warner and Marsh, and was released for Shield duty after both batsmen were declared fit for the first Test.

In Sydney, Maxwell walked in to bat in the seventh over and dominated through the day, bringing up his century off 113 balls. His impact was evident in the fact that by the time Victoria lost their second wicket, with the score on 162, Maxwell had contributed 115. After that wicket, Maxwell and Finch added 148 runs in 29.5 overs at a run rate of nearly five an over. By stumps, Maxwell had hit 27 boundaries and three sixes, while his strike rate was 81.

While the New South Wales attack was not as formidable as it was previously - when Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins had all featured - it still included the experienced Doug Bollinger, Steve O'Keefe and Sean Abbott. However, Maxwell's charge meant they were without much success. Bollinger conceded 90 in his 20 overs for two wickets, while Abbott was also expensive.