.jpg?type=hq)
Glenn Maxwell's possible new role in T20 World Cup (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)
The unreal T20 thrills are coming back as the T20 World Cup is coming back with yet another thrilling edition in the next month. With just a few days left for the tournament, teams are finalizing their squad, but Australia’s T20 World Cup lineup has suddenly become the tournament’s biggest talking point.
In their 15-member squad, Josh Inglis is the lone wicketkeeper-batter with Glenn Maxwell listed among the side. When asked about a backup plan, selector George Bailey hinted that Maxwell taking the gloves could be a possible scenario if the situation demands it.
Maxwell emerges as Australia’s emergency wicketkeeping plan
As another edition of the T20 World Cup is arriving, the world is buzzing with immense excitement. Before stepping into the tournament, teams are finalizing their squad for the marquee event. After Australia announced its T20 World Cup squad, its wicketkeeping choice grabbed the attention.
Josh Inglis has been selected as the only wicketkeeper of the side, and Maxwell has been kept in the team. If Inglis sustains an injury during the tournament, Maxwell will be the only choice for the side. The Aussie batter kept wicket in junior cricket, but international cricket has not seen him behind the stumps.
Teams are allowed to make change till January 31, and if Inglis sustained an injury before that, the Australian side can move towards another option. But if disaster strikes mid-tournament, the Aussies may have just one emergency lifeline, Glenn Maxwell.
Bailey hints Maxwell could take the gloves if needed
Fans are split right down the middle, debating whether Glenn Maxwell will step in with the gloves or if Australia will be forced into a late squad reshuffle. But when George Bailey was asked about this, he indicated that as a positive possibility.
“I've seen him do it. He's a natural; he did it when he was younger. We've been in World Cups with one player (short) in positions. It always feels like you've got to give up something,” he said.
“It's the balance of those sort of day-to-day injuries where a player might just be missing for one (game) versus a more serious injury, and then how long that is, and can you carry someone?” he added.
While finalizing the squad, Australia kept the subcontinent challenges in mind as their squad reflected their strategy. As India and Sri Lanka are hosting the tournament, they named the spin-heavy side loaded with some match-winning all-rounders. As the tournament is commencing on February 7, they are eyeing another successful outing.
