The confident allrounder, sometimes accused of being brash with his swashbuckling reverse-sweeps, feared for his place in the national squad.

Now the man known as "The Big Show" is in Canberra to take on England and to fire ahead of next month's World Cup.

"You have no idea. I had plenty of doubts obviously with the last month I've had," Maxwell told radio SEN on Tuesday. I

"I understand people being disappointed in people's performance, but I think people have to understand that T20 is such a hit-and-miss game. Y

"It has been frustrating having so many people jump down my throat because I'm not making runs, but it's almost the way T20 goes."

To examine Maxwell's contribution to the Australian team merely by how many runs he scores doesn't do him justice.

While he's had just one half-century in his past 11 one-day internationals, Maxwell famously bowled a double wicket maiden in the final over to secure an unlikely one-run win against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in October.

Then there's his excellent work in the field, where he cuts fours down to twos in the outfields and creates sharp chances inside the circle.

With Tasmania's Xavier Doherty the only specialist spinner selected in Australia's World Cup squad, Maxwell will be heavily relied on with the ball.

Former Australian batsman and national selector Mark Waugh told Fairfax Media that Maxwell continues to be a vital component of the national team.

"He's a very important member of the side and he's a real X-factor," Waugh said.

"Obviously his fielding and his batting we know about and his bowling has improved in the last 12 months.

"With that innings under his belt, I think he will go from strength to strength now leading up to the World Cup."

Maxwell and fast bowler Pat Cummins will both play for the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Wednesday as a warm-up to their World Cup campaigns.

Maxwell, 26, made some positive strides with an impressive 66 from just 44 balls for the Stars against the Melbourne Renegades last Saturday night.

PM's XI coach, and former Test batsman, Phil Jaques said Maxwell would get a good opportunity with the bat, along with bowling 10 overs.

"I'm sure he'll be looking to get a little time in the middle this game and show how good a player he is," Jaques said.

"He would have loved to score a few more runs this summer, but his form is definitely on the upward curve.

"Hopefully he can have a good day out and entertain the Canberra public."

England is also wary of Maxwell's power hitting, according to opening batsman Moeen Ali

"Obviously he's had a bit of a rough time at the minute, but we saw the other night what he can do," Ali said.

"I've seen him against Pakistan, against probably the best spin bowling attack in the world, he smashed them.