Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to rediscover his form during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, despite the all-rounder enduring a difficult run in the lead-up to the tournament. Maxwell has struggled for consistency in recent months, managing just 76 runs from eight innings in the Big Bash League 2025–26.
He also claimed only two wickets during the competition and endured a tough time in the field, dropping several catches. His returns in T20 Internationals have also been underwhelming, with 171 runs from nine innings at an average of 21.37 since 2025, along with six wickets.
Despite those numbers, Ponting believes the global stage of a World Cup could help Maxwell rediscover his edge.
“If the edge starts to come off, it’s hard to find it and replace it. But if anything’s going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He’s had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia’s sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks,” Ponting told the West Australian.
Ponting also expects Maxwell to be named in Australia’s playing XI for the opening match of the tournament. The defending champions have been placed in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. While admitting that Maxwell’s recent form alone would not justify selection, Ponting highlighted experience and playing conditions as decisive factors.
“You couldn’t pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they’ll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well,” Ponting said.
Ponting further noted that Maxwell’s ability to handle spin bowling and contribute with the ball adds valuable balance to the side, particularly during the early stages of the competition.
“He’s probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he’ll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They’ve got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half.”
Drawing from his experience of working closely with Maxwell, Ponting also described the all-rounder as an unpredictable player capable of producing extraordinary performances regardless of form.
Australia begin campaign against Ireland
“He can because he always has. I’ve coached him a lot and he’s a really hard player to read what’s going to happen because he can have a week of the best training you’ve ever seen and then come out and it does not happen. And he could have the world’s worst week leading into a game and come out and do something crazy,” Ponting said.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Maxwell has been rested from Australia’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Following the series, Australia will straight head into the T20 World Cup 2026 and begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After failing to reach the knockout stages in the previous edition in 2024 after losing against Afghanistan, Australia will be hungry to put up an improved show in the upcoming edition.
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