Glenn Maxwell ruled out of NZ T20Is due to injury; Australia announce surprise replacement

Maxwell has been ruled out of NZ T20Is [Source: AFP]

Australia suffered a massive setback just a day before the first T20I against New Zealand, with veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell being ruled out of the three-match series due to injury. Cricket Australia named Josh Philippe as Maxwell's replacement. 

Mitch Owen's powerful shot injures Maxwell in nets

As revealed by Cricket.com.au, Glenn Maxwell was hit near his wrist while rolling his arms for a few overs in the nets. The experienced cricketer was bowling to Mitchell Owen, whose powerful shot struck him near his wrist, fracturing his forearm. 

Matthew Short, who received a T20I recall for the New Zealand series, witnessed the event from the sidelines. According to him, it seemed quite nasty when Owen's thunderbolt struck Maxwell during the net session. 

As a result, Cricket Australia was forced to rule Maxwell out of the series, naming Philippe as his replacement. It's worth mentioning that Maxwell becomes the second Australian player to get sidelined from the three-match series after Josh Inglis, who was earlier replaced by Alex Carey after sustaining a calf strain. 

Maxwell has been quite prone to injuries at the twilight of his career. The talismanic Australian all-rounder fractured his leg a year ago before sustaining a concussion injury during the 2023 World Cup. Considering we have the T20 World Cup coming up next year, Maxwell will be racing with time to receive fitness clearance before the tournament. 

Talking about Philippe, the right-hander has represented Australia in twelve T20 Internationals, scoring 150 runs at a mediocre average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 109.5. So, Maxwell's injury gives him a golden opportunity to showcase his mettle and cement his place in the Australian T20I side. 

Australia's updated squad for NZ T20Is

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

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