Melbourne, September 30 (HS): Australia suffered another major blow ahead of their T20 assignment against New Zealand as star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the series. Maxwell fractured his right wrist after being struck by a straight drive from Mitchell Owen during a net session. He has been sent home immediately and will consult a specialist in the coming days.
Although the medical team is optimistic about a swift recovery, Maxwell’s participation in the five-match home T20I series against India, starting October 29, remains doubtful. However, he is expected to regain fitness by mid-December in time for the Big Bash League (BBL).
In Maxwell’s absence, the selectors have called up Sydney Sixers and New South Wales wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe. Philippe, who was previously in contention when Josh Inglis was injured, missed out then to Alex Carey.
While not a like-for-like replacement for Maxwell, Philippe has been included as a backup to Carey.Maxwell’s injury is also a potential setback to Australia’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
With both Inglis and Maxwell sidelined, the squad has lost two versatile batting options. Furthermore, all-rounder Cameron Green is unavailable due to domestic cricket commitments and Ashes preparations, captain Pat Cummins is recovering from a back injury, and Nathan Ellis has opted out to be with his family for the birth of his first child.
Maxwell, who was expected to play a crucial role as the fifth bowling option against New Zealand’s left-handed batters, leaves a significant void. The responsibility now shifts to Matt Short and Marcus Stoinis with the ball, while captain Mitchell Marsh is unlikely to bowl.
The team is also seeking to develop Travis Head’s part-time off-spin for the T20 format.For Philippe, this marks a comeback to Australia’s T20I setup after nearly two years. Despite a recent strong showing against India A, his international and BBL record remains modest.
Across the last two BBL seasons, he has registered only one half-century with a strike rate under 130. In 12 T20 internationals, he has crossed 13 runs on just two occasions.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
