SA vs AUS 1st T20I: Why is Glenn Maxwell not playing in South Africa vs Australia T20 series?

Australia have added Matthew Wade to the squad, a proven performer in the T20 format and a World Cup winner.

The upcoming T20 series between South Africa and Australia will be without the dynamic all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

Why is Glenn Maxwell not playing in South Africa vs Australia T20 series?

The hard-hitting player has been forced to return home due to a bothersome ankle injury, prompting a call-up for veteran batsman Matthew Wade to fill the void in the squad. Maxwell’s setback came to light during the team’s initial training session in Durban, where he complained of discomfort in his left ankle.

Subsequent medical scans advised a cautious approach, leading Cricket Australia to make the decision for Maxwell to return home and skip the three-match T20 series. This move aims to ensure his full recovery and availability for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in India, set to commence in October.

Australian selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized the precautionary nature of the decision, noting that Maxwell had already planned to miss the subsequent one-day series to be present for the birth of his first child.

“We are taking a precautionary approach, given Glenn was heading home next week in any case. We will monitor Glenn’s recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup,” Dodemaide stated.

Maxwell’s absence marks yet another setback in what has been a challenging year for the talented Victorian player. Previously, he suffered a leg injury during a backyard birthday party last summer, hampering his playing opportunities.

Matthew Wade added to squad ahead of SA vs AUS 1st T20I

To fill the gap left by Maxwell’s absence, Cricket Australia has turned to Matthew Wade, a proven performer in the T20 format and a World Cup winner. Wade, who recently completed his commitments with the London Spirit in The Hundred, is seen as an ideal candidate to bolster the middle-order for the upcoming series starting on Wednesday.

Dodemaide spoke highly of Wade’s capabilities, saying, “Wadey is a world-class performer and is fit and ready to go.” This swift inclusion underscores Wade’s readiness and preparedness for the challenge ahead.

Maxwell’s absence also compounds the list of prominent Australian players missing the South Africa series. In addition to Maxwell, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc withdrew due to injuries, while Pat Cummins will sit out the T20 series. Mitchell Marsh will take on the role of captain for both the T20 and ODI teams.

SA vs AUS T20I Schedule

August 30: First T20I, Durban (August 31, 2am AEST)

September 1: Second T20I, Durban (September 2, 2am AEST)

September 3: Third T20I, Durban, (September 3, 10pm AEST)

Australia T20 squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Wade, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa.

SA vs AUS ODI Schedule

September 7: First ODI, Bloemfontein (D/N), 9pm AEST

September 9: Second ODI, Bloemfontein (D/N), 9pm AEST

September 12: Third ODI, Potchefstroom (D/N), 9pm AEST

September 15: Fourth ODI, Centurion (D/N), 9pm AEST

September 17: Fifth ODI, Johannesburg, 6pm AEST

Australia ODI squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Related SA vs AUS 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction