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England quick James Anderson has questioned the Australia selectors’ decision to omit the in-form Glenn Maxwell from the Test and ODI squads, calling the allrounder a “must” for the national team.

Maxwell was initially left out of the 14-player squad for the five-match Gillette ODI series against England but was called up as cover for injured opener Aaron Finch for yesterday’s match at Adelaide Oval.

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Speaking on Optus Sport’s Stumps program after Australia’s three-wicket win in Adelaide, Anderson said he was surprised when he saw that Maxwell hadn’t been included in the squad.

“I was scratching my head when he wasn’t in the squad at the start of the (ODI) series, and also even the Test series, when he was in fantastic form for Victoria in Shield cricket,” Anderson said.

“For me, playing against Australia, I would fear Australia more if they had Glenn Maxwell in the team.

“If he’s on form as he has shown in the Big Bash with the Stars, and also with that spinning option he provides, the extra bowling option for Steve Smith, I think he’s a must for the team.”

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While Maxwell has been in top form for Melbourne Stars in the KFC BBL having scored three half centuries this season including an explosive 84 off 47 balls against Sydney Sixers, former Australia batsman Mike Hussey said the strong form of allrounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis, and Adelaide player of the match Travis Head, will make squeezing the Victorian in the one-day XI a tough task for the selectors.

“I think Australia will be reluctant to make that change and bring Maxwell back in,” Hussey said on Stumps.

“From what I’m reading between the lines they want to send him a bit of a message as well.

“Steve Smith came out and said he needs to train better and improve his training habits.

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“Maybe they’re just getting him back around (the group), get him hungry again and when he does get his opportunity let’s hope he grabs it with both hands.

“I agree with Jimmy, (Maxwell) is a seriously talented player and with him in the as team there would be a lot of opposition players that would have some fear about that.

With Australia looking to defend their World Cup in England next year, Anderson believes Australia’s strongest side must include Maxwell.

2017-18 International Fixtures

Gillette ODI Series v England

Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Cameron White, Adam Zampa.

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

First ODI England won by five wickets at the MCG

Second ODI England won by four wickets at the Gabba

Third ODI England won by 16 runs at the SCG

Fourth ODI Australia won by three wickets at Adelaide Oval

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

Australia T20 squad: David Warner (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final TBC, Eden Park, February 21