Star Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell races against time to recover from leg injury ahead of ODI World Cup

Star Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in trouble. Ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, Maxwell injured his leg during a practice session in South Africa. With one month to go until the prestigious tournament, Australian team management is hoping for Maxwell’s speedy recovery.

However, considering his previous medical records and injury history, team management and selectors are keen to not rush him. It’s worth noting that Maxwell might play a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup campaign given his experience in Indian conditions. Maxwell, with his off-spin and aggressive batting approach, can change the momentum of the game at any stage, and missing him out of the tournament will be a big shock for the five-time champions.

Speaking about Maxwell’s injury, the chief selector of Cricket Australia, Tony Dodemaide, said that the team will not risk a half-fit Maxwell. He said, “We will monitor Glenn’s recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup.” The three-match series between India and Australia will start on September 22 in Mohali.

Will Matthew Wade be able to secure his place in the World Cup?

Amid Glenn Maxwell’s injury, Matthew Wade has been called by Australian team management to play against South Africa in the T20I series. It will give him an outside chance to make the World Cup squad. Given his past performances in the Indian subcontinent, Wade is a perfect replacement for Maxwell, but he doesn’t offer a bowling option.

In India, Maxwell has participated in 15 ODI games and scored 429 runs at an average of 28.6. However, he has scored at a whopping strike rate of 126.9 and has smashed three half-centuries. Apart from this, Maxwell also carries his 10-year experience in the Indian Premier League, which will surely help him adapt to situations quickly in India.

Australia will start their ODI World Cup campaign against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The tournament will kick off with England taking on New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. The opening ceremony will be organised on October 4 to give all skippers ample time to join the event.