Australia’s short tour of New Zealand has lost another senior figure, with Glenn Maxwell returning home after fracturing his right wrist during a practice session in Mount Maunganui.
According to team staff, the injury happened when a firm straight-drive from all-rounder Mitchell Owen ricocheted off Maxwell’s bowling hand in the nets. Initial scans confirmed a break, and the 36-year-old will meet a specialist in Melbourne later this week. A swift recovery remains possible, yet his availability for the five-match home series against India, starting 29 October, is already in doubt.
Selector Tony Dodemaide admitted the timing hurts. “It’s frustrating, no question,” he said on Wednesday. “Maxy gives us balance with both bat and ball, but we’re backing him to be ready for the Big Bash at the very least.”
Philippe drafted in
Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been flown across the Tasman as cover. The Sydney Sixers right-hander was close to selection when Josh Inglis withdrew last week with a calf strain, only for Alex Carey to edge him out. With Maxwell gone, Australia suddenly needed a spare keeper—Carey is now the only gloveman in the original squad—and Philippe ticks that box even though he is not a like-for-like replacement in the middle order.
Head coach Andrew McDonald explained the move. “Josh understands his primary role is insurance for Alex. If he gets a chance to bat, great, but we just can’t risk being one injury away from no keeper on match-day.”
Selection jigsaw continues
Maxwell’s setback extends a troublesome run that started with the badly broken leg he suffered at a friend’s party in late 2022. It also complicates preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Australia using these next eight internationals—three in New Zealand, five at home to India—to finalise a preferred XI.
Already unavailable are:
• Josh Inglis (calf)
• Cameron Green (Shield cricket, Ashes build-up)
• Pat Cummins (back “hot-spot”)
• Nathan Ellis (paternity leave)
Maxwell was slated as the fifth bowler against the Black Caps, especially valuable against their left-handers. In his absence Matt Short, just back from his own hamstring strain, will shoulder extra overs, while Marcus Stoinis returns to cover the seam-bowling workload Cameron Green would have shared. Captain Mitch Marsh remains a batting-only option for now, and the coaching staff are keen to progress Travis Head’s part-time off-spin—useful in one-day cricket but barely seen in T20Is (only six overs in 41 appearances).
Opportunity for Philippe
Philippe, 28, last represented Australia in 2023. Though his recent Big Bash numbers are modest—one fifty in two seasons—he arrives off a productive Australia A trip to Lucknow, where scores of 123*, 39 and 50 in unofficial Tests caught selectors’ attention. He says the call-up is a “bonus” after focusing on red-ball cricket. “I’ve tried to broaden my game,” Philippe told local media. “If a keeping spot opens up, fantastic, but I’m also ready to bat anywhere.”
Long list, short memories
For Maxwell, the immediate goal is straightforward: rest, then rehab. “I’ve been here before, unfortunately,” he quipped in a brief statement. “The boys have my support, and I’ll be back as soon as medically possible.”
Australia meet New Zealand in the first T20I at Bay Oval on Friday. Even with a patched-up squad, McDonald insists standards will not slip. “We still expect to compete hard,” he said. “That’s the beauty of international cricket—someone always gets a chance when things go wrong.”
