Allrounder Glenn Maxwell is determined to help Australia prolong Pakistan's horror summer during Sunday's second ODI in Melbourne.
Maxwell made a successful return to national duties on Friday, combining with centurion Matthew Wade for a timely sixth-wicket partnership of 82 to help set up Australia's 92-run victory at the Gabba.
The outspoken Victorian, who was left out of the ODI team during last month's series against New Zealand, looked in fine touch before being dismissed for 60 by Hasan Ali.
Maxwell hopes his aggressive knock was just the beginning of a fruitful summer representing his country.
"I've been hitting the ball really well, having changed a few things technically and mentally," he said on Saturday.
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"It feels like it's all coming together and I feel really at home at the crease at the moment. It'd be nice to do a Wadey and be that 100 not out and really seeing us through that whole innings."
Maxwell was controversially fined last month after saying it was "painful" having to bat below Wade in the Sheffield Shield but said the pair had well and truly moved on from their rift.
After losing the Test series 3-0, Pakistan's woes continued at the Gabba with ODI captain Azhar Ali injuring his hamstring days after vice-captain Sarfraz Ahmed returned home to be with his sick mother.
With Azhar in grave doubt for Sunday's clash at the MCG, it is unclear who would lead Pakistan in his absence.
In-form paceman Josh Hazlewood is set to return for Australia after being rested for the first ODI, although towering quick Billy Stanlake is expected to be available after falling ill at the Gabba.
The ODI series has commenced in the shadow of debate about Australia's Test squad for next month's tour of India.
Maxwell has been unable to crack into the Test side on home soil but his experience on the subcontinent and handy offspin means he is a strong chance to be included when the squad is named on Sunday.
"Having not been in the Test squad since 2014, it's a long time between drinks, that's for sure," he said.
"I just know if I get that opportunity, I'll be desperate to keep hold of it and to stay there."
