Melbourne, October 9(HS): Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is eyeing a return to competitive cricket within the next month and is hopeful of making a comeback during the latter stages of the upcoming T20I series against India. The 36-year-old underwent surgery on his right wrist last week after injuring it during training ahead of the New Zealand series.
Maxwell revealed that he opted for the procedure to accelerate his recovery, keeping alive a slim chance of featuring in the India tour. Cricket Australia has excluded him from the first two T20Is, but a potential return for the final three matches, starting November 2, remains on the cards.
“The main reason for going through surgery was to give myself at least a small window of opportunity to play some part in the India series,” Maxwell told Cricket Australia.
“Without the operation, I would have missed the entire series. If not India, then I’m confident I’ll be fit in time for the Big Bash League.”
His cast was removed on Wednesday, and Maxwell has begun light mobility exercises as part of his rehabilitation. His mid-series return could prove timely for Australia, as the management aims to give its key T20 players sufficient match practice ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while several others prepare for the upcoming Ashes.
Meanwhile, pacer Josh Hazlewood has expressed his desire to feature in the Sheffield Shield before the Ashes, with Travis Head and Josh Inglis also likely to play in domestic red-ball fixtures beginning October 28 and November 10, respectively.
Maxwell is expected to make his Big Bash League comeback for Melbourne Stars on December 18 and could also represent Victoria in the Marsh One-Day Cup game on December 2, though he is unlikely to play the Shield matches.
The flamboyant cricketer has endured a series of injury setbacks in recent years — from a leg fracture in 2022 to a concussion after a golf cart accident in 2023, and now, the latest wrist injury caused by a practice session mishap in New Zealand when a Mitchell Owen pull shot struck his arm.
Australia vs India T20I Schedule:
October 29 – 1st T20I, Manuka Oval, Canberra
October 31 – 2nd T20I, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
November 2 – 3rd T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart
November 6 – 4th T20I, Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
November 8 – 5th T20I, The Gabba, Brisbane
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
