Australia coach Justin Langer said the form of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is a concern ahead of the five-match ODI series against England. However, Langer said the arrival of Ricky Ponting as a member of the support staff should help Maxwell raise his game.

Maxwell was twice dismissed for less than 10 runs by spinners during Australia’s warm-up games against Sussex and Middlesex. It has been a long struggle for Maxwell, who failed to fire for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL where he scored 169 runs in 12 innings at an average of 14. Interestingly, Ponting was also Maxwell’s coach in Delhi.

Asked if Maxwell’s form is a worry, Langer said: “He is. But that said I have been super impressed with Glenn Maxwell, his preparation has been literally outstanding.

“I would be very surprised if he doesn’t get a very big score very soon. There’s been a lot of talk about Glenn Maxwell but I have been incredibly impressed with the way he goes about his business and even the way he has been batting in the nets,” Langer was quoted as saying by AFP after Australia’s 101-run win over Middlesex at Lord’s on Saturday.

New coach Langer is confident Maxwell will benefit from spending considerable time with Ponting.

“He has just had a couple of months with ‘Punter’ (Ponting) in the IPL, to have the influence of someone like Punter is gold. Punter is joining us again tomorrow (Sunday), so if he (Maxwell) keeps preparing well and keeps trusting his preparation it is not far until he becomes an absolute star, I think. He’s got so much talent.”