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Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opened up about the lingering effects of a freak leg injury he sustained two years ago, which continues to trouble him as he sets his sights on a potential return to Test cricket. Despite his determination, the 35-year-old admits that the injury could still be a significant hurdle in his journey back to the longest format of the game.
Glenn Maxwell, who has played only seven Tests in his career, with the last appearance dating back to September 2017, has been keen to don the Baggy Green once more. His most notable Test performance came in India, where he scored a century, but his overall Test statistics include just 339 runs at an average of 26.07. His last first-class outing was for Warwickshire in July 2023, further highlighting the gap in his red-ball cricket experience.
The Persistent Leg Injury
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Maxwell acknowledged that his leg injury, which occurred in November 2022 ahead of a limited-overs series against England, remains a significant concern. The injury had sidelined him for an extended period, and despite rigorous rehabilitation efforts, it continues to cause him discomfort.
“It’s still my leg. It’s what is giving me the most grief since breaking it, so it’s still a work in progress. It’s something I have to work hard on every day to make sure it’s in a position where I feel like I can get through a full day of cricket unscathed and hopefully pain-free,” Maxwell revealed.
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He expressed a strong desire to be part of Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka but acknowledged that there are still many hurdles to overcome. “It would be great if I could get my body into a position where I can play over [in Sri Lanka], but as far as Shield cricket, I’m not sure how much they’ll take that into consideration, and whether or not I need to prove I can get through four days of cricket before I play Test cricket,” he added.
The Road to Recovery and Selection Challenges
Maxwell’s road to recovery has been anything but smooth. In addition to the leg injury, he has dealt with other setbacks, including a concussion during the 2023 World Cup and an alcohol-related incident earlier this year, which led to him losing consciousness. These challenges have made his return to full fitness even more complicated.
Looking ahead to the Sri Lanka tour, Maxwell hinted that the selectors might prioritize players with proven skills against spin, rather than basing their decisions solely on performances in the Sheffield Shield. “They’ve been pretty open to selecting outside the box for players who do well in those conditions, and knowing what it’s like in Sri Lanka, I don’t think Shield form is going to be a huge factor in how someone is going to go over there,” Maxwell explained.
He further emphasized the importance of having a solid game plan against spin bowling in the subcontinent, noting that the conditions in Sri Lanka present unique challenges. “It’s just completely different conditions, you’ve got to have a really solid game plan against spin and a really good idea of how you’re going to tackle them in those conditions – it’s a different beast,” Maxwell said.
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Looking Forward
As Australia prepares for a grueling five-match Test series against India, starting on November 22, Maxwell’s potential inclusion in the squad remains uncertain. His experience and skill set could be invaluable in subcontinental conditions, but his fitness and ability to endure the rigors of Test cricket will be the ultimate test.
For now, Glenn Maxwell continues to work tirelessly towards his goal, hoping that his body will allow him one more chance to contribute to Australia’s Test success.
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