Glenn Maxwell has expressed surprise in the national selectors' consideration of his form in county cricket after being called up to Australia's ODI and T20I squads for next month's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The 23-year-old Maxwell has earned his maiden international call-up on the back of a string of impressive performances for Hampshire in the 2012 Friends Life t20, which have brought him 178 runs at an average of 59.33 and strike-rate of 178.

"I didn't really expect it to happen any time soon. I'm very proud at the moment," he told BBC Radio Solent. "It probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't come to Hampshire.

"I was surprised the Australian selectors looked at my form here, I didn't think they looked at county cricket that much, so I'm very surprised and glad they have. It means my season here hasn't gone unrewarded."

February last year saw the hard-hitting right-hander score the fastest half-century in Australia's domestic limited-overs history when he welcomed his 50 from a mere 19 deliveries for Victoria against Tasmania.

He has taken that swashbuckling approach into the FLt20, with 60 not out from 24 balls against Essex and an unbeaten 66 from 32 deliveries against Kent testament to his success.

"Hampshire really helped me out and hopefully I can repay their faith. It probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't come to Hampshire," he added.

"It has been a bit of a whirlwind, with a lot of calls from home from family and friends, but it has been great."

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