In a major boost for Australia ahead of the crucial T20I series against India, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has had the cast removed from his fractured wrist and is already undergoing mobility work—with hopes of featuring in the final three matches of the series.
Maxwell suffered the injury during Australia’s domestic T20 tournament in late September, casting doubt over his availability for the high-stakes international fixtures. But on Wednesday, the 36-year-old took a significant step toward recovery, sharing that he’s “feeling good” and “working hard” to return before the series concludes.
Maxwell’s Recovery Timeline: A Race Against Time
The Maxwell wrist injury initially looked like it could sideline him for weeks. A hairline fracture required immobilization, and Cricket Australia had conservatively ruled him out of at least the first two T20Is. However, his rapid progress has opened the door for a potential comeback as early as the third or fourth match.
“The cast came off today, and I’ve started light mobility exercises,” Maxwell told reporters in Brisbane. “It’s still early, but I’m targeting the back end of the series. Every day counts.”
Why Maxwell’s Return Matters for Australia
Maxwell isn’t just another player—he’s Australia’s X-factor in T20 cricket. His explosive batting, deceptive off-spin, and electric fielding make him irreplaceable in crunch situations. In the last five T20Is against India, he’s averaged 41.2 with the bat and taken 6 wickets at an economy of 6.8.
Without him, Australia’s middle order lacks firepower, and their bowling options become predictable. Coach Andrew McDonald admitted this week that “Glenn’s presence changes how we build our XI.”
T20I Series Schedule & Maxwell’s Availability Outlook
The five-match T20I series against India kicks off on October 12 in Perth. Based on Maxwell’s current rehab pace, here’s a realistic projection of his availability:
| Match | Date | Venue | Maxwell Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Oct 12, 2025 | Perth | ❌ Ruled out |
| 2nd T20I | Oct 15, 2025 | Brisbane | ❌ Unlikely |
| 3rd T20I | Oct 18, 2025 | Melbourne | ❓ 50/50 chance |
| 4th T20I | Oct 21, 2025 | Sydney | ✅ Likely |
| 5th T20I | Oct 24, 2025 | Adelaide | ✅ Expected |
What’s Next in Maxwell’s Rehab?
Over the next 7–10 days, Maxwell will focus on regaining full range of motion, followed by grip-strength drills and light bat-swinging. If pain remains minimal, he’ll progress to net sessions by early next week.
“We’re not rushing him,” said team physiotherapist Emma Richards. “But Glenn’s healing faster than expected. His discipline with rehab has been impressive.”
Crucially, Maxwell won’t need to pass a full fitness test until match eve—giving selectors flexibility to name him in the squad as a “conditional inclusion.”
Fantasy Cricket & Fan Impact
For fantasy players, Maxwell’s potential return is a game-changer. Platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle are already seeing spikes in his selection rates for matches from the 4th T20I onward.
Indian fans, meanwhile, know all too well how dangerous Maxwell can be on Australian soil. Remember his 54-ball 104 in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final? That memory alone makes his comeback a storyline worth watching.
Australia’s Contingency Plans
If Maxwell misses the entire series, Australia will likely promote Cameron Green to No. 5 and hand spin duties to Tanveer Sangha or Nathan Ellis. But as captain Mitchell Marsh put it: “We’d much rather have Maxy. He’s the difference between a good team and a great one.”
With the T20 World Cup just months away, every match—and every minute of game time—matters. Maxwell knows it. And so does everyone in the Australian camp.