Mitchell Johnson picks Glenn Maxwell as Australia captain for World Cup

The former Australian fast bowler recognised that his decision was slightly obscure but was adamant that Maxwell was the right man for the job...

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has backed allrounder Glenn Maxwell to lead the side at the upcoming World Cup in England, which starts at end of May.

Writing in Perth Now, Johnson recognised that his decision was slightly obscure but was adamant that Maxwell was the right man for the job.

"My decision to pick Glenn Maxwell as captain might raise eyebrows," Johnson said. "But having played with him both for Australia and in the Indian Premier League, I can say that this polarising cricketer is misunderstood.

"He might not be your typical first-choice captain, though clearly Melbourne Stars have seen something in Maxwell. Leadership has helped him mature, helped to settle him and bring the best out of him.

"I think we need our sportsmen to have a certain presence and have the confidence to give their opinion in a team environment and he definitely does that.

^{Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson were both a part of Australia team which won the 2015 World Cup}

"More importantly, Maxwell is a cricket tragic who loves the game and thinks deeply about it.

"I spent a lot of time with Maxwell in the IPL at both Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab and he was always very vocal in team meetings … particularly with planning such as fielding positions for certain players. He knows opposition players very well and he doesn't forget much.

"He reads the game well and that's essential for a captain.

"Maxi is not a leader who will just let things roll on, either. He thinks outside the square. He is 30 now and knows the game inside out."

Aaron Finch is currently Australia's ODI captain, and has only won two of the six matches he has taken charge of.