Centurion Maxwell happy to contribute in comeback Test

Ranchi March 17 (IANS) Back into the Test side after a wait of over two years swashbuckling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said his partnership with skipper Steve Smith put Australia in a great position after the second day s play in the third cricket Test against India here on Friday.

Maxwell (104) and Smith (178 not out) forged a fifth wicket stand of 191 runs to help Australia post a mammoth 451 in their first innings.

Maxwell s maiden Test century also made him only the second Aussie to score a ton in all three formats after former all-rounder Shane Watson.

Very happy to get back into the Test team. That partnership with (Smith) Smudge put us in a good position. To have that faith shown in me to produce that innings has been really amazing Maxwell said after the second day s play.

Contrary to his natural game the explosive right-hander played a sedate knock which came off 185 deliveries which according to him made him get used to the wicket.

I felt very comfortable out there that was obviously something I have been working on. But now we got to be disciplined again. We have got the ball reversing the 28-year-old said.

In reply India finished the second day s play at 120/1 losing the lone wicket of opener Lokesh Rahul (67) but Maxwell wanted a few more wickets before the bails were dislodged for the day.

We would have liked one or two more wickets. The pitch was a little bit more up and down and a little bit more spin today. Hopefully that continues as the match wears on he said hoping that his off-spin would come handy on Saturday.

--IANS
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