Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is aiming to make a return from a fractured right wrist during the latter part of the T20 International series against India. Maxwell underwent surgery last week with the hope of expediting his recovery. He sustained the injury after being struck on the wrist by a teammate's shot during a net session ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.
Maxwell was not named in the squad for the first two T20Is against India, scheduled for October 29th and 31st in Canberra and Melbourne, respectively. However, he is optimistic about being available for selection for the final three matches, which will be held in Hobart (November 2nd), Gold Coast (November 6th), and Brisbane (November 8th).
Speaking to reporters at the KFC BBL's kit launch in Melbourne, Maxwell stated that the surgery provides him with a "little bit more hope" of participating in the India series, provided he can get himself right. He added that the decision to undergo surgery was motivated by the desire to have at least a chance of playing in the series, as the alternative was to miss it completely. If he is unable to participate in the India series, Maxwell expects to be ready for the start of the BBL season.
Maxwell had the cast removed from his arm on Wednesday and has started performing basic movement exercises. He will wear a molded plastic splint to protect his wrist for a period of time but has been cleared to start moving the wrist again. He also met with a hand therapist and has been given some basic movements to strengthen the wrist.
According to Maxwell, the primary concern will be managing the pain and assessing how the wrist feels when batting. He considers himself unlucky with the location of the impact, but initially felt fortunate that it struck bone rather than flesh.
A mid-series comeback could be beneficial for the Australian side, as they aim to provide their key T20 players with game time against the T20 world champions in preparation for February's World Cup, while also allowing other players to prepare for the Ashes series. Players like Josh Hazlewood are reportedly interested in playing a Sheffield Shield match before the Test series against England. Other T20I squad members, such as Travis Head and Josh Inglis, could also gain from playing in the third or fourth round of Shield games.
Maxwell is expected to be available for the Melbourne Stars' first match of BBL|15 on December 18th. He is unlikely to participate in the Sheffield Shield.
