Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series in New Zealand following a fractured forearm.
As per the Australia Tour of New Zealand 2025 Schedule, the first match will be played on October 1 in Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, with the second and third games of the series set to be played on October 3 and 4 at the same venue.
Glenn Maxwell out of trans-Tasman tour
Maxwell sustained this unfortunate injury in the nets, where he was struck on the wrist by a Mitch Owen delivery as the side was undertaking a net session in Mount Maunganui.
Cricket Australia has named wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe as the replacement for injured Maxwell ahead of the opening Chappell-Hadlee Trophy contest with the Black Caps.
“It didn’t sound good. I saw it out of the corner of my eye. (Owen) is not the guy you want to be bowling to in T20 training, that’s for sure.
Maxi’s been there and gone through that (serious injuries) a couple of times now – he was a bit disappointed, but it’s just like any other injury. I’m sure he’ll get through it,” teammate Matthew Short told cricket.com.au.
Notably, this is the second blow for the Aussies ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. Earlier, Josh Inglis was replaced by Alex Carey after suffering a right calf strain earlier this month.
For Maxwell, it’s another unfortunate injury after he fractured his leg when a friend fell on it at a 50th birthday party three years ago, which required surgery and which he still manages today.
As per an official statement from CA, Maxwell will return to Australia to meet a specialist, which will determine his return-to-play timeline.
Following the NZ tour, Australia is set to host India in both white-ball formats next month. Maxwell’s availability remains unclear ahead of their five-match T20 International series, which starts in Canberra on October 29.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled next year, Maxwell will be sweating on his fitness to make his way back into the squad.
Australia squad for NZ T20I Series
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
