Maxwell is set to play a crucial middle-overs role with the ball as well as the bat for Australia in England, particularly if coach Justin Langer opts to play just one frontline spinner.

The Victorian has averaged five overs per match since Finch took over as captain, compared to just 2.4 overs under Smith's leadership.

He bowled his full 10 overs three times in the recent tours of India and UAE, and followed it up with a five-wicket haul in County cricket for Lancashire.

"That's probably the clarity I have with my role," Maxwell told reporters in Southampton.

"It's something I did a little in Dubai and India, I started to get a few more overs and get that consistency.

"To have that continue into my time at Lancashire where I got plenty of time at the bowling crease, you get that rhythm and feel of the ball coming out consistently.

"You need that as a part-time bowler to have that consistency and time at the crease. Just get the cobwebs out a bit."

Maxwell was particularly effective on the sub-continent, finishing as Australia's third-most economical bowler in the 10 games against India and Pakistan.

"A lot of the time I bowl I just try and limit boundaries balls," he said.

"If they hit good shots off my bowling then I'm not too fazed.

"But if I'm limiting boundary balls and giving myself the best chance to squeeze a few dot balls and some tight overs it might create some pressure at the other end.

"I think it's important for me to bowl in a partnership with someone."

The 30-year-old hasn't given up on claiming an Ashes spot, after skipping a lucrative IPL stint to play the start of the County season in English conditions.

"It was quite a big decision. But in the long run I would rather be a two-time World Cup winning player than a rich player without it," he said.

"If everything does go well and I do perform well in this, you never know there might be more cricket in the end."

Australian Associated Press