Glenn Maxwell to play Sheffield Shield cricket as he sets his focus on making a return to the Australian test side.
Glenn Maxwell is set to make a return to red-ball as he is set to play the Sheffield Shield for Victoria.
Maxwell, 36, is currently away in England for the 5-match ODI series. He has barely featured for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield off late. His last appearance in the tournament came way back in February 2023.
Such has been the gap that he has played only 2 games in the last 5 years.
The opening Shield round to begin on October 8 with Victoria hosting Tasmania. A large group of Australian test hopefuls will be available from the second round of games.
Australia’s home ODI and T20I series against Pakistan, which takes place from November 4–18, coincides with the third and fourth Shield rounds. The first two weeks of November also feature two Australia A first-class matches versus India A. Just before the BBL begins, there are two more Shield rounds that will begin on November 24 and December 6, respectively, while the Border-Gavaskar series is in progress.
Australia’s plans for the five-Test home series against India do not include Maxwell. However, this is Australia’s chance to travel to Sri Lanka for the two Test series, which might be vital in their hopes of reaching another World Tour Final. Maxwell’s talent as a spin-bowling all-rounder is as a benefit in spinning conditions. Especially if the Tests are to be low-scoring and fast-moving. He was a member of the Sri Lanka trip in 2022 and almost played the first Test in Galle. He’s played seven Test matches. The most recent of which took place in Bangladesh in 2017, have all taken place on the subcontinent.
“I think he’ll be available for a couple and I believe he’s keen to play as well.” Sutherland said on Wednesday. “Obviously, things can change with him playing at the moment. But to have a player like Glenn potentially come into our side is a bit of a luxury. So hopefully that can work out nicely.”