AUSTRALIA’S black sheep Glenn Maxwell could be shunted out of Test cricket for good due to the emergence of a player with his same cavalier spirit.

Travis Head has already squeezed Maxwell out of the one-day side and Australia are set to give serious consideration to handing him the specialist spin bowling all-rounder’s berth for the Test tour of India that previously had The Big Show’s name written all over it.

Maxwell has paid a high price for passing comment on teammate Matt Wade but missing out on a series that is tailor-made to his unique skill set would be the ultimate blow to a 28-year-old cricketer at the crossroads.

Cricket Australia’s board will meet on Thursday to set the agenda for their nationwide hunt for a new Chairman of Selectors and accompanying panel.

The message from the board so far has been that selectors must now pick teams with a clear view to the future, and there’s no question that 22-year-old Head is a talent the Australian hierarchy has earmarked for some time.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann shot down Maxwell’s Test claims last week when he declared selectors wouldn’t consider a player who hasn’t made a first-class hundred in the past two years.

Head on the other hand has already peeled off a big ton this Sheffield Shield season and filling Maxwell’s shoes in coloured clothing might only be the start of the takeover plan.

WARNE: Maxwell must play in all three formats for Australia

“I don’t think I’ve cemented it,” Head said of his standing in the Australian ODI team ahead of Tuesday’s game two against New Zealand at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

“It’s nice to stay in the side and it’s what you want to do. But it’s hard to stay in the Australian cricket side.

media_camera Travis Head could block Maxwell’s return to the Test team. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“You’ve got to always be making runs and always performing and that’s what I’ve got to do.”

Head’s ascension into the Australian No.6 role has not come overnight, and the fact he has ousted Maxwell for the past two ODI tours is far more telling than what happened at the SCG on Sunday night.

Two ODI half centuries from 13 matches isn’t necessarily dazzling numbers, but Head is a project player that Australia believe is getting better with every game he plays.

Shane Warne said on SEN yesterday that while he’d love to see Maxwell play all three forms for Australia, runs will be his only currency.

The fact is Maxwell – who was on the last Indian tour in 2013 and also played a Test in the UAE – will scarcely get a chance now to press his claims for the sub-continent mega tour with his involvement in the ODI squad precluding him from any more Shield matches for Victoria.

media_camera Maxwell hasn’t scored a Shield ton in over two years.

Head will have another golden opportunity on a flat track in Canberra to further press his claims after his 50 in Sydney as part of a hundred run partnership with captain Steve Smith proved crucial to victory over the Black Caps.

Not content with getting starts, Head is coveting a match-winning performance and helping Australia clinch the Chappell-Hadlee trophy could be the perfect start.

“I was happy with my performance (in Sydney) but it can always be better,” he said.

“I’m disappointed I’ve done the hard work to get to 50 and to build that partnership into a 100 run partnership and not go on in the last 10 overs.

“The pressure is always on.

”I want to win games for Australia. I want to be there at the end.”

The board isn’t expected to make any huge advancements in the hunt for a new selection panel, and it’s possible the interim team headed by Trevor Hohns could stay around long enough to pick the Test squad for India.

Australia has forecast a potential cleanout following Rod Marsh’s resignation, with all selection contracts expiring by mid-next year.