Mike Hussey says dashing allrounder Glenn Maxwell has the talent and the temperament to make it at Test level for Australia.

Maxwell averages 42 in first-class cricket and has played three Tests – all in spin-friendly conditions – and is a much improved player from the one that last pulled on the Baggy Green in the UAE in October 2014.

After stunning performances in the previous World T20 in Bangladesh and the 2015 Cricket World Cup on home soil, the Victorian is a lock in Australia's middle-order in limited-overs cricket, and Hussey says that's where the off-spinning allrounder could make an impact if given another chance in the creams of his country.

"He (Maxwell) is a pretty attractive package for a Test team, particularly in the subcontinent," said Hussey, who’s been working with Australia as a batting consultant in India.

"I think most people would probably say the last Test he played I think he batted No.3 which is probably not the ideal spot for him, he’s probably better coming in a little bit later in the order say No.5 or No.6 or something like that and you’ll probably see the best cricket from him.

"But he’s certainly got the ability I don’t think there’s any question about that, it’s about getting an opportunity and then him taking that opportunity.

"Grabbing it with both hands and putting (runs) on the board and some really consistent performances."

And Hussey says Maxwell's white-ball roots can transfer into the red-ball game and be a vital asset in the same way Adam Gilchrist used to be in the glory days of Australian cricket.

"The thing that makes him so attractive is that he can score runs so quickly," Hussey said.

"So if it’s a tricky situation in a Test match he can really take the game away from the opposition.

"And obviously he’s a gun in the field and he can definitely help out with the ball as well."

After winning the 2014 T20 and 2015 ODI player of the year awards at the Allan Border Medal ceremony, Maxwell said his attention is now focused on the last mountain he's yet to conquer.

"Hopefully next year I can make that final step and really solidify my spot in the step above which is Test cricket," Maxwell told cricket.com.au at this year's AB Medal.

"It's something I've talked about a fair bit and something I'm really looking forward to getting closer to.

"I feel like I've made some really big strides this year for Victoria and I'm hoping a few more strides this year and you never know, there might be a spot open up at some stage."

Maxwell's first chance will be Australia's three-Test tour of Sri Lanka this winter.

The 27-year-old has played two Tests in India and one in Abu Dhabi, and is seen as a subcontinent specialist with his ability to bowl and play spin an advantage on turning pitches.

While Maxwell will be concentrating on getting Australia through to a World T20 semi-final with a win over India on Sunday, Hussey says the unpredictability he brings to a side would be an asset in the five-day format.

"I think he’s got a pretty good understanding of his game," Hussey said.

"Obviously there’s still that x-factor streak but I don’t think he’s going to lose that throughout his whole career.

"And again that’s what makes him really hard to play against.

"Sometimes you’re not sure what’s going to happen and he can take the game away from you very, very quickly.

"We don’t even know what’s going to happen in the dressing room so

"I think he’s got a good understanding of the game in general and a good understanding of his own game."