Allrounder Glenn Maxwell says he was shocked by Victoria dropping him in the Sheffield Shield, declaring that his first-class record speaks for itself.
Maxwell was named 12th man for Victoria's opening-round win over Tasmania last week, despite being among the best-performed batsmen in the competition last summer.
The big-hitter was recalled for Victoria's clash with Queensland and scored a poised 81 as the hosts closed in on victory on day two at the MCG.
Addressing his controversial omission for the first time, Maxwell refused to elaborate on the reasons given by state selectors and coach Andrew McDonald.
"I was pretty shocked but they had their reasons and we'll move on," Maxwell said on Saturday.
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"They gave me reasons that I wasn't playing. They'll stay between us."
But Maxwell launched a strong defence of his first-class record, including the 392 runs at 56.00 he scored for the Bushrangers last summer.
"I think those numbers probably speak for themselves," he said.
"If (critics) don't think that's consistent, we've probably got differing thoughts on consistency I suppose."
Test selector Mark Waugh was among several greats who questioned whether Maxwell was dropped for off-field reasons.
"He should have been playing," Waugh told Fox Sports' Inside Cricket.
"From an Australian point of view, he's quite capable of playing Test match cricket.
"You need to be asking the Victorian selectors why they left him out. It surely can't be cricket-related because he would be in the team."
Asked whether there was lingering resentment about his failed preseason move to NSW, Maxwell said he expected his relationship with the Victorian team to remain solid as long as he performed well.
The 28-year-old's experience on the subcontinent and ability to bat against and bowl spin mean he is likely to be considered for Test selection for Australia's tour of India next year.
But Maxwell says his focus will remain on domestic cricket.
"I'm not looking that far ahead at all," he said.
Victoria will look to wrap up their second Shield victory for the season on Sunday, with Queensland set to resume at 4-50 and trailing the hosts by 230 runs in their second innings.
