Australian T20 star Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the first two T20Is against India due to a fractured right wrist. But despite the setback, the explosive all-rounder remains hopeful of making a return for the latter part of the series.
Australia recently announced their squad for the five-match T20I series against India, which begins on October 29 and 31 in Canberra and Melbourne. The remaining matches are set for November 2 in Hobart, November 6 on the Gold Coast, and the final clash on November 8 in Brisbane.
Maxwell Hopeful Despite Early Setback
Maxwell wasn’t named in the initial squad, but he’s staying positive. After picking up the injury in the nets ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui when he was struck on the wrist by a powerful shot from teammate Mitchell Owen, he was quickly flown home to see a specialist.
He opted for surgery in hopes of cutting down his recovery time to about four weeks, which could give him a chance to return in time for the back end of the India series.
“I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right,” Glenn Maxwell said.
“The only reason I had the surgery was the options they gave me were miss that series completely and no surgery, or have surgery and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part. And if not, I’ll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good stead to get the rest of my body right,” he added.
Taking It Slow, One Step at a Time
Glenn Maxwell has already started his rehab and is working with a hand therapist to regain strength and mobility in his wrist.
“I only met with a hand therapist yesterday,” Maxwell said. “He only gave me some really basic movements, things that look really boring, but I suppose they’re going to strengthen the wrist.”
Missing the NZ Series Was a Frustrating Blow
Understandably, Glenn Maxwell was disappointed to miss out on the T20I series against New Zealand, especially since he had been in good form leading into it.
“But, yeah, another unlucky one,” he said about the injury. “I was probably just a bit unlucky with the position that it hit me on the arm.”
“When it hit me, I thought I was lucky that it hit just bone and it wasn’t too much flesh, and it was going to be right.”
Maxwell had looked in great touch recently. His last T20I outing in August saw him smash an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls against South Africa, guiding Australia to a series win. He also impressed in domestic cricket, scoring a stunning 107 off 82 balls for Victoria against Queensland shortly after announcing his retirement from One-Day Internationals.
Not Thinking About Retirement Anytime Soon
When asked whether he’s thought about playing T20I cricket all the way through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Maxwell made it clear he’s not looking that far ahead.
“I’m literally thinking about round one of the BBL at the moment,” Maxwell said. “Let’s just get there first. If I’m still enjoying my cricket by then… I’m not setting dates or anything.”
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All Eyes on the BBL with the Melbourne Stars
Glenn Maxwell is already gearing up for the Big Bash League and is excited about leading the Melbourne Stars this season. Last year, the Stars reached the BBL finals, and Glenn Maxwell was named the joint Player of the Tournament. This time, he’s hoping to go one step further and lift the trophy.
As he works his way back to full fitness, fans will be hoping to see Glenn Maxwell back in action soon, doing what he does best with both bat and ball.
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