Maxwell facing axe after just one Test in favour of extra quick for Mohali Test

Sydney: Glenn Maxwell is in line to get axed for the next Test match against India in Mohali, which is known for its pace friendly pitch, and the Australian think tank could play an extra fast bowler to make most of the conditions.

Reprising their four-pronged pace attack would bring Mitchell Starc or Mitchell Johnson into the frame, leaving Maxwell or left-arm finger-spinner Xavier Doherty firmly in the firing line for the third Test, starting Thursday. Australian coach Mickey Arthur said Nathan Lyon was axed after the first Test partly because the tourists liked the variety of Doherty, whose stock ball turns away from India`s all right-handed top six, and the conundrum is Maxwell, who made 13 and 8 with the bat, outperformed Doherty, the frontline spinner, in the second Test nightmare in Hyderabad. The Victorian all-rounder claimed 4-127, including top-order scalps Murali Vijay, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, while Doherty (3-131) had 0-124 from 42 overs at one stage before picking up three cheap tailend wickets. The selectors, however, are concerned at Maxwell leaking 4.88 runs an over in Hyderabad. Doherty was tighter, going for just 2.83, but his strike-rate was inferior. Arthur said they have got to sit down and determine how best they can take 20 wickets, adding Maxwell was probably a little bit too loose. Arthur added Maxwell has taken four wickets, and he has created opportunities, but he`s gone at over four-and-a-half (runs) an over. Arthur further said Doherty did what they know he can do, adding he ran in, he went at under three an over and he caused problems when there was stuff for him to work with. The coach further added there is a massive amount of potential in Maxwell though, and if they go back to three quicks again, the conditions will determine that when they get to Mohali. ANI