Will Glenn Maxwell Play Vs Bangladesh? Josh Hazlewood Reveals

image-los2sj38Maxwell played an iconic knock vs AFG [AP]

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains optimistic about Glenn Maxwell's readiness to play Australia's final round-robin match against Bangladesh in the World Cup on Saturday, November 11, despite Maxwell's recent struggles with full-body cramps.

In the previous clash against Afghanistan, Maxwell grappled with multiple cramps, severely restricting his movements during the second innings. Despite these adversities, he delivered an extraordinary innings, securing victory for Australia and achieving the highest-ever ODI score for an Australian men's cricketer with an impressive 201 runs.

Maxwell, who had bowled ten overs in the first innings, faced the additional challenge of briefly leaving the field while fielding to cool down. 

Despite these hurdles, his exceptional performance played a pivotal role in Australia's third-place standing with 12 points, securing their spot in the semi-finals. With their semi-final berth confirmed, the upcoming match against Bangladesh is now viewed as a "dead rubber".

Hazlewood, Maxwell's teammate, responded to queries about Maxwell's participation in the next game with confidence, stating, 

"Yeah, I think so. It's just about getting your hydration and your weight back to where it should have been before. I don't think he'll do too much in between now and then, and it's a couple of days. So hopefully, fingers crossed he's all right."

Australia's final group-stage encounter against Bangladesh is slated for Saturday (November 12) at MCA Stadium in Pune. Depending on the outcome of South Africa's match, Australia has the potential to rise to second place in the points table following the last league stage fixture.

While the five-time champions have already sealed a spot in the semi-final, they can afford to rest Maxwell in the upcoming game against Bangladesh. The critical question, however, revolves around Maxwell's availability for the semi-final and a potential final if Australia secures a spot in the championship match.

Australia will likely finish either second or third on the points table, setting the stage for their second semi-final clash with South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday (November 16). The Australian team remains hopeful that Maxwell will be fit for the crucial upcoming matches in the World Cup, considering his significant contributions as the second-leading run-scorer with over 400 runs and two centuries.

A statement addressing Maxwell's fitness is eagerly awaited from Australia's medical team in the coming days.