Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to make his much-anticipated red-ball return after being named in Victoria’s squad for their Second XI four-day competition match against Queensland, beginning on Monday at the Junction Oval. This marks Maxwell’s first four-day game in over a year as he begins a build-up to potentially secure a spot in Australia’s Test squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka early next year.
Maxwell, who turns 36 on the first day of the match, has seen limited action in first-class cricket, playing only two red-ball games in the last five years. His red-ball comeback will be carefully managed, particularly following the serious leg injury he suffered two years ago. The Second XI competition, with its flexible rules allowing 12 players to participate with rest and rotation options, will enable Maxwell to gradually increase his workload.
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Victoria coach Chris Rogers expressed his excitement about Maxwell’s inclusion in the squad, particularly for the influence his experience will have on the younger players. “We’ve got a lot of young players who are playing, and anytime you get to throw in someone with that experience and talk about batting and fielding and strategy, that’s great for us as well,” Rogers said.
However, Maxwell is unlikely to feature in Victoria’s next Sheffield Shield match, which starts on October 20, just three days after the Second XI game. With Australia‘s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan looming, Maxwell’s immediate focus remains on white-ball cricket. He is set to play in Victoria’s domestic one-day fixture against New South Wales on October 25, where he could potentially share the field with Australia’s Test stars, including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Eye on the Sri Lanka Test Tour
Maxwell’s return to red-ball cricket comes with an eye on Australia’s 2025 Test tour of Sri Lanka, where his experience as a spin-bowling allrounder makes him a strong contender. Maxwell nearly played in the first Test during Australia’s 2022 tour of Sri Lanka, with his skills in handling subcontinental conditions making him a valuable asset for low-scoring and fast-paced matches. All of Maxwell’s seven Test appearances have been in Asia, with his last Test match being in Bangladesh in 2017.
Though Australia’s selectors have previously indicated that performances in the Sheffield Shield are not necessarily decisive for Test selections in Sri Lanka due to vastly different conditions, Maxwell’s red-ball return is seen as crucial from a physical conditioning standpoint. Australia’s selectors are keen to see how the veteran all-rounder fares in longer formats after his injury layoff.
Maxwell could also be given a chance in the two-day pink-ball Prime Minister’s XI game against India in Canberra, starting on November 30, to further build up his red-ball credentials ahead of potential Test selection.
Victoria’s Squad and Shield Campaign
Maxwell’s return to the Second XI side is part of Victoria’s broader effort to prepare key players for the season ahead. Will Sutherland, the Victorian state captain, will also feature in the Second XI game as he continues his recovery from a back injury. Sutherland missed the first Shield round due to concerns over his ability to bowl multiple spells over consecutive days, but the Second XI game will serve as a stepping stone toward his return to the Shield.
Victoria coach Chris Rogers confirmed that Sutherland is tracking well, saying, “He’s ready to go for the Second XI and hopefully that’ll set him up well for the Shield game against New South Wales.”
Matthew Short, Victoria’s spin-bowling allrounder, remains doubtful for the next Shield game against New South Wales as he recovers from an adductor strain sustained during Australia’s ODI tour of the UK last month.
Looking ahead, Maxwell could be available for Victoria’s fifth and sixth Sheffield Shield matches, with the first set to be a pink-ball game against Queensland at the Gabba on November 24. His potential return to Shield cricket will be a vital opportunity to test his fitness and red-ball form as the Big Bash League approaches and the Test series in Sri Lanka draws nearer.
Squad Announcement
The Victorian Second XI squad for the match against Queensland includes several young talents alongside experienced players like Maxwell and Sutherland. The 12-man squad is as follows: Will Sutherland (captain), Austin Anlezark, Liam Blackford, Dylan Brasher, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Jai Lemire, Reilley Mark, Glenn Maxwell, Jon Merlo, David Moody, and Doug Warren.
As Maxwell makes his red-ball return, all eyes will be on how the seasoned campaigner adapts to the demands of first-class cricket after a lengthy hiatus. His inclusion in Victoria’s Second XI not only bolsters their side but also provides a vital platform for Maxwell to push his case for Australia’s Test side once again.
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