Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand after suffering a freak injury during net practice at Mount Maunganui. The 36-year-old was bowling to Mitch Owen when the batter’s powerful shot struck Maxwell on his forearm. Scans confirmed a fracture, prompting Cricket Australia to call up Josh Philippe as his replacement.
Matthew Short, who was batting in a nearby net, described the incident. “I saw it out of the corner of my eye. We’re training under a marquee, so it’s really echo-y and loud,” Short told cricket.com.au. “Owen smoked it and then it hit Maxi on the wrist. It didn’t sound good. He’s been through injuries like this before, and while he was a bit disappointed, I’m sure he’ll get through it.”
Maxwell’s latest setback adds to a string of injuries that have disrupted his career. Three years ago, he broke his leg when a friend fell on him at a birthday party, an injury that required surgery and ongoing management. He also suffered a concussion during the 2023 ODI World Cup after falling from a golf cart.
The timing of this injury puts Maxwell in a race against time to be fit for Australia’s T20I series against India, starting on 29 October in Canberra. His absence is likely to open the door for Marcus Stoinis, who has not played in Australia’s T20I squads since November last year. Stoinis could now line up in the middle order alongside big-hitters Owen and Tim David, providing a boost to the team ahead of the T20 World Cup build-up.
