Australia has suffered another significant injury setback with allrounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Maxwell sustained a fractured right wrist after being struck by a powerful straight drive from Mitchell Owen during a net practice session in Mount Maunganui.
AFP/Getty Images
Maxwell has promptly been sent home to seek specialist medical advice. While Australian medical staff anticipate a relatively swift recovery, his availability for the five-match home T20I series against India, set to begin on October 29, remains uncertain. He is more likely to be fit for the start of the Big Bash League (BBL) in mid-December, subject to the specialist`s recommendations. This latest injury compounds a challenging period for Maxwell, which includes a broken leg suffered in 2022.
In response to Maxwell`s absence, Josh Philippe, the wicketkeeper-batter for Sydney Sixers and New South Wales, has been called into the squad. Philippe was previously considered when Josh Inglis was ruled out with a calf injury, but Alex Carey was ultimately selected at that time.
Philippe`s inclusion does not provide a direct like-for-like replacement for Maxwell`s all-round capabilities. However, Australia required a contingency option to cover Carey should he face an injury on match day, especially as the original squad had only one designated wicketkeeper. Maxwell was seen as an unlikely short-term backup keeper in such a scenario. This injury further complicates Australia`s strategic planning for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the upcoming eight games viewed as crucial for settling on their optimal playing XI.
For the series against New Zealand, Australia is now missing two of its most dynamic and versatile batters in Inglis and Maxwell. Additionally, Cameron Green is unavailable, prioritizing Sheffield Shield cricket in preparation for The Ashes and will also miss the T20I series against India to focus on his Test readiness.
Pat Cummins will also sit out both series due to a back injury (“hot spot”), while Nathan Ellis is absent from the New Zealand series to be with his family for the birth of his first child.
Maxwell typically serves as Australia`s primary fifth bowler and was expected to play a key role against New Zealand`s left-handed batters. Matt Short, who returns from injury after missing the last two series against West Indies and South Africa, will now be relied upon to contribute with the ball. Marcus Stoinis also rejoins the squad and is capable of bowling the necessary overs that Green was unable to provide in previous series.
Captain Mitch Marsh is not expected to bowl in the immediate future, and his bowling prospects for the World Cup remain unclear. Australia is also keen on further developing Travis Head`s off-spin in the shortest format. While Head boasts a decent ODI bowling record, he has bowled only six overs in 41 T20I matches, with no overs bowled in his last 24 appearances since April 2022.
Associated Press
Philippe`s return marks his first appearance in Australia`s T20I setup since 2023. This follows an impressive tour of India with Australia A, where he scored 123 not out, 39, and 50 in two unofficial Test matches against India A in Lucknow. However, despite strong red-ball form for Australia A in recent years, his T20 performance for the Sixers in the BBL has been less prolific.
Over the last two BBL seasons, Philippe has managed only one half-century and maintained a strike rate under 130 across 24 innings. In his 12 T20I appearances, he has only two scores exceeding 13, with a modest strike rate of 109.48.
Australia had previously favored Carey due to his ability to play as a finisher in a reorganized batting lineup, even though he was replacing Inglis, who is a permanent No. 3. Philippe has opened in half of his T20I innings and has never batted lower than No. 4. In his domestic T20 career, he has batted lower than No. 4 only ten times, and not once since 2020.
