Is Maxwell Australia's answer to Pietersen?

Legendary Australian batsman Matthew Hayden says all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has the potential to become Australia's answer to star England batsman Kevin Pietersen during the winter Ashes.

Pietersen, who played a key role in England's three-straight Ashes victories and made his Ashes debut in the breakthrough 2005 triumph which broke Australia's eight-series win streak, was the key to England's resurgence with his aggressive style of play.

According to News.com.au, Pietersen turned around England cricket, which used to watch helplessly Australia grind them into the dirt, with his audacious play and has taken the shoe on the other foot.

Hayden termed Maxwell's special innings of 92 in the fourth ODI against India as “Pietersen-esque”, saying there are many of Pietersen's qualities in the ever-developing Maxwell, adding that there is no doubt about the “classy” Maxwell's talent.

Stating that Maxwell is one of the “options” for Australia, Hayden also said the team will need every weapon in its arsenal during the selection for the first Ashes Test at Brisbane, adding that Maxwell has the ability to influence a match like Pietersen.

The report mentioned that Maxwell scored a record-breaking 153-run partnership with skipper George Bailey (98) to rescue the tourists after they were 71 for 4 in the Ranchi ODI and thumped two switch hits off Ravindra Jadeja for six and four respectively in the style of Pietersen.