David Warner’s criticism of his Glenn Maxwell’s desire to get back into the Test team for next year’s tour of Sri Lanka has been swatted away by his replacement as captain at the Melbourne Stars who is adamant that if anyone can transition from the Big Bash to Test cricket it is Maxwell.

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Warner, who has moved into commentary since his retirement but will play for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, raised concerns over 36-year-old Maxwell, declaring he “doesn’t deserve that opportunity” for a Test recall because he hadn’t played Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria.

Maxwell played a second XI game for the Vics in November and was set to return to the Shield before the BBL break but injured his hamstring during Australia’s T20 series against Pakistan and will miss the Stars’ opening game this Sunday as a result.

But Marcus Stoinis, the new Stars skipper, said Warner’s suggestion was misguided because “unless you’re in the Test team” red-ball exposure was minimal for a lot of players who had international white-ball commitments.

Declaring Maxwell, who was back in the nets in Melbourne this week, “keen as mustard” to at least be on the selection radar for the two Tests in Galle, with the first beginning two days after the Big Bash final, Stoinis said he had no doubt his long-time Stars and Australian teammate could transition without needing a red-ball lead-up.

“I’d be worried about maybe another player going from Big Bash to Test cricket but not Glenn Maxwell,” he said on Thursday.

“He’s adaptable, I mean, he knows his game, he’s an older guy now. Who knows, he might play the spin over there like he does in the Big Bash anyway.

“There’s not many better players of spin or more talented guys. I’d have my money on him doing well if he gets his chance.”

Maxwell played the last of his seven Tests in Bangladesh in 2017.

He was part of the squad when Australia toured Sri Lanka in 2022 and was on the verge of playing in the second Test before Travis Head overcame a hamstring issue.

Stoinis said Warner’s quick transition from player to pundit could ensure many current stars, himself included, were in the feisty former opener’s sights.

“I understand as well with Davey saying that (Maxwell) hasn’t played much red-ball cricket, which I mean no one that plays white ball unless you’re in the Test team is playing any red-ball cricket, but it’s also hard to hold that against the individual as a player,” he said.

“But that’s the thing with Dave is you know what you’re gonna get, he’s not gonna hide anything and he’s gonna speak. He’ll say that to Maxi as well. At some stage he’ll have me in his sights as well.”

The Stars will open their BBL campaign against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday, still waiting to hear if all-rounder Beau Webster will be released from the Test squad to play.