Maxwell Eyes Return for Final T20Is Against India After Wrist Surgery

Australia's explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell remains hopeful of making a late return to the T20I series against India, following recent surgery on his fractured right wrist.

Maxwell sustained the injury in a freak training accident while bowling to teammate Mitchell Owen during a net session ahead of the New Zealand series in Mount Maunganui. The powerful shot struck Maxwell on the wrist, ruling him out of the New Zealand T20Is and prompting a swift return home for specialist assessment.

Faced with a tough decision, Maxwell opted for surgery in a bid to speed up recovery and potentially feature in the final three T20Is of the five-match series against India.

“The only reason I had the surgery was the options they gave me were: miss the series completely and no surgery, or have surgery and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part,” Maxwell said in Melbourne on Thursday. “If not, I’ll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good stead to get the rest of my body right.”

While not named in the squad for the opening two matches in Canberra (October 29) and Melbourne (October 31), Maxwell has set his sights on returning for the third match in Hobart on November 2, followed by games on the Gold Coast (November 6) and Brisbane (November 8).

Maxwell had the cast removed from his wrist on Wednesday and is now undergoing mobility exercises under the guidance of a hand therapist. He will wear a protective moulded plastic splint for some time, but has been cleared to begin basic wrist movement.

“[The exercises] look really boring, but I suppose they're going to strengthen the wrist,” he added. The main hurdle to a return, Maxwell said, will be pain management when batting rather than any structural risk of re-injury.

This incident adds to a string of unusual injuries in Maxwell’s career, including a broken leg at a birthday party and a concussion from falling off a golf cart. Reflecting on the latest setback, he admitted it has made him rethink bowling in the nets to power hitters like Owen.

“Guys like Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Mitch Owen and Cam Green… long levers, strong, it just comes back too quick,” Maxwell said. “I should know better to bowl into the hip and I’ll be doing that I think come BBL time.”

Maxwell had been in strong form prior to the injury. In August, he guided Australia to a T20I series win over South Africa with a match-winning 62* off 36 balls. He also smashed 107 off 82 for Victoria in a One-Day Cup clash against Queensland in September, having come out of ODI retirement to prepare for the New Zealand series.

Looking ahead, Maxwell remains focused on the short term and has no timeline for his T20I future, including any thoughts on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I’m literally thinking about round one of the BBL at the moment,” he said. “Let’s just get there first. If I’m still enjoying my cricket by then… I’m not setting dates or anything.”

The 36-year-old is excited about the upcoming Big Bash League season, where he hopes to finally lead Melbourne Stars to their maiden title. The Stars reached the finals last season, with Maxwell being named joint Player of the Tournament.

He also welcomed the arrival of Indian spin great R Ashwin, who is set to play a full BBL season with Sydney Thunder.

“That’s really exciting,” Maxwell said. “It’s great for the competition. Anytime you can get world-class superstars with the career that he has is a massive bonus. He’s going to bring a lot of wisdom to the players and attract more fans to the league.”

As Maxwell begins his recovery journey, Australian fans will be hoping he can return in time to play a key role in the high-stakes T20I series against India and gear up for a blockbuster BBL season.