Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is optimistic about returning for the final three T20Is against India in November, having opted for surgery to expedite recovery from a fractured right wrist.
October 9, 2025: Australian star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is holding out hope for a dramatic mid-series return in the upcoming T20 International series against India, following successful surgery on his fractured right wrist.
The 36-year-old, who was not named in the squad for the first two T20Is on October 29 and 31, is targeting a comeback in time for the final three matches: in Hobart (November 2), Gold Coast (November 6), and Brisbane (November 8).
The injury occurred during a net session ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui when a powerful shot from teammate Mitchell Owen struck him on the wrist.
Surgery for a ‘Slim Chance’
Speaking to reporters at the KFC BBL’s kit launch, Maxwell explained that he chose surgery to accelerate the recovery process, accepting the risk for a potential earlier return.
“I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right,” Maxwell said. “The only reason I had the surgery was the options they gave me were miss that series completely and no surgery, or have surgery and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part.”
Should the India series comeback not materialise, Maxwell is still confident the surgery puts him in “good stead” for the Big Bash League (BBL), where he captains the Melbourne Stars.
Focus on Pain Management
Maxwell confirmed he had the cast removed on Wednesday and is now wearing a moulded plastic splint. He has been cleared to begin basic movement exercises to rebuild strength.
“I only met with a hand therapist yesterday,” he said. “He only gave me some really basic movements, things that look really boring, but I suppose they’re going to strengthen the wrist.”
The biggest challenge, according to Maxwell, will be pain management when he eventually picks up a bat. Reflecting on the “unlucky” injury, he admitted it has made him rethink his approach to bowling in the nets against power hitters.
“I try to avoid bowling to those guys,” Maxwell confessed, naming teammates like Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Cam Green. “Long levers, strong, it just comes back too quick. It’s not fun. But I should know better to bowl into the hip and I’ll be doing that I think come BBL time.”
The all-rounder enters the recovery period in strong form, having scored a match-winning 62 not out from 36 balls in his last T20I appearance against South Africa, and a century for Victoria in the domestic One-Day Cup last month. When asked about his long-term T20I future, Maxwell stated his focus remains short-term: “I’m literally thinking about round one of the BBL at the moment. Let’s just get there first. If I’m still enjoying my cricket by then… I’m not setting dates or anything.”