Glenn Maxwell plans of rejoining first-class cricket ahead of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka have been derailed by a hamstring injury. The all-rounder sustained the setback during a match against Pakistan in Hobart, forcing a delay in his return. This injury disrupts his efforts to regain form in the longer format. Maxwell’s absence is a blow, as his versatility and experience were expected to strengthen Australia’s squad for upcoming challenges, including the Sri Lankan series.
Glenn Maxwell is set to miss up to a month of cricket due to a hamstring injury, sidelining him from Victoria’s next two Sheffield Shield games. This setback leaves him with limited time to recover ahead of the Big Bash League, where he represents the Melbourne Stars. The injury poses a challenge for Maxwell as he works toward regaining fitness for the upcoming cricketing calendar.
Missing these matches may not completely derail Glenn Maxwell’s aspirations of a Test cricket comeback in Sri Lanka, but they were seen as a chance to demonstrate his readiness for the demands of four-day cricket. The games would have been an opportunity to showcase his resilience following the severe leg injury he sustained in 2022.
Last month, Maxwell took a significant step by playing his first red-ball match in over a year for Victoria’s Second XI against Queensland. He found confidence in spending extended time on the field, signaling progress in his recovery journey.
Aaron Finch on Glenn Maxwell
Former Australian skipper Aaron Finch remains confident that Glenn Maxwell latest injury won’t impact his chances of being picked for the Sri Lanka tour. Finch believes Maxwell’s selection will depend on his overall abilities and form rather than the setback, expressing optimism about the all-rounder’s readiness for the upcoming Test series despite the recent hamstring issue.
He said, “ Don’t think it makes any difference. The very little red-ball cricket Maxi’s played over the last probably five years, if they want to pick him, they’ll pick him regardless, and it’s not about if he goes and gets runs in Shield cricket. I don’t think that comes into it at all because it’s the skills he has got – he’s very good against spin, he’s very versatile, [and] his offspin is better than part-time.”
Bailey and McDonald Discuss Selection Criteria for Sri Lanka Tour
Selection chair George Bailey has emphasized that choices for the Sri Lanka tour will focus on specialists suited to the unique conditions rather than solely relying on Sheffield Shield performances. Head coach Andrew McDonald has also confirmed that Glenn Maxwell remains a strong contender for the squad, highlighting his suitability for the challenges in Sri Lanka.
Andrew McDonald said, “ The ability to play on that horizontal plane sweeping and reverse sweeping, I think will be a critical skill if the conditions are extreme. Does he [Maxwell] fit that profile? 100 percent he fits that profile.”
He further said, “ The big challenge for Maxi is clearly body and whether he can get through Test cricket, and what that may look like on the back of BBL. With Maxi, he plays, sees how he pulls up and then makes the next decision on the back of that injury that he had.”
Australia’s first Test in Sri Lanka is set to begin on January 29, with the team anticipated to arrive 10 days early for preparation. Players chosen for the tour are likely to miss the BBL finals and possibly the closing regular-season matches. The Melbourne Stars kick off their BBL campaign on December 15, facing the Perth Scorchers in the tournament’s opening game.
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