Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell remains hopeful of taking part in the upcoming T20I series against India, even after undergoing surgery for a fractured right wrist last week. The injury occurred in the lead-up to the T20I series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, during a net session where Maxwell was struck by a forceful shot from teammate Mitchell Owen while bowling.
The incident, which saw Maxwell immediately sidelined, raised concerns about his availability in future events. However, the power-hitter batter is optimistic about making a timely recovery and contributing to Australia's campaign against India. Australia did not pick Maxwell in their squad for the first two T20Is against India but could recall him for the final three matches.
"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. 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. And if not, I'll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good stead to get the rest of my body right," Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"I only met with a hand therapist yesterday. He only gave me some really basic movements, things that look really boring, but I suppose they're going to strengthen the wrist."
Maxwell said the overriding concern will be how it feels when he bats.
"I was probably just a bit unlucky with the position that it hit me on the arm. When it hit me, I thought I was lucky that it hit just bone and it wasn't too much flesh, and it was going to be right. But, yeah, another unlucky one," Maxwell said.
Maxwell's injury, meanwhile, has triggered a shift in his training mindset, particularly when bowling to explosive batters.
"I try to avoid bowling to those guys. Guys like Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Mitch Owen and Cam Green, long levers, strong, it just comes back too quick. It's not fun, But I should know better. I should know better to bowl into the hip and I'll be doing that I think come BBL time," Maxwell said.