Glenn Maxwell out of Australia’s T20 series against NZ after training mishap, with Josh Philippe called up
WA product Josh Philippe has earned a last-gasp call-up to Australia’s squad for their T20 series against New Zealand after Glenn Maxwell was felled in a nasty incident in the nets.
Maxwell suffered a forearm fracture while attempting to field off his own bowling after hard-hitting Mitch Owen blasted a ball back in his direction.
The ball struck the 36-year-old on the wrist, with medical staff ruling him out of the three-game series just one day before Wednesday’s opener in Mount Maunganui.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I saw (Owen) smoked it and then the aftermath – it hit Maxi on the wrist. It didn’t sound good,” Australian allrounder Matt Short said.
“(Owen) is not the guy you want to be bowling to in T20 training, that’s for sure.
“Maxi’s been there and gone through that (serious injuries) a couple of times now – he was a bit disappointed but it’s just like any other injury. I’m sure he’ll get through it.”
Maxwell’s exit adds to the absence of Josh Inglis for the series after the latter was replaced by Alex Carey following a calf strain.
The injury calls into question Maxwell’s involvement in October’s home T20 series against India, with the veteran set to undergo a specialist review upon return to Australia to assess the extent of the damage.
West Aussie turned adopted NSW wicketkeeper-batter Philippe becomes the fourth WA product in the squad to contest the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, joining captain Mitch Marsh and middle-order hitters Tim David and Marcus Stoinis.
Maxwell’s injury gives Stoinis a chance to stake a claim for a middle-order role in the lead-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.
“I’m sure there’s a picture in the head of the selectors of what they want to do and how they want the team lining up come that World Cup, so I think it’s going to be a nice build in for everyone,” Stoinis said on Monday.
“It’s always a good challenge (playing New Zealand). They’re a great team and they perform so well in the big tournaments as well, so it’s definitely something we look forward to.”
