Australia`s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. The right-hander sustained an injury while bowling and got hit by Mitchell Owen`s straight drive during the net session.
Josh Philippe has been named as Maxwell`s replacement for the series, which is scheduled to be played from Wednesday.
Along with Maxwell, Josh Inglis was also ruled out as he sustained a calf injury ahead of the series. In his place, Alex Carey has been added to the squad.
The 36-year-old Maxwell, who scored an unbeaten half-century to guide Australia to a T20I series win over South Africa last month, was struck on the right wrist while bowling in the nets.
Maxwell will return to Australia and see a specialist over the coming days. Speaking about Maxwell`s injury, all-rounder Matthew Short said, “I saw it out of the corner of my eye. I saw (Owen) smoked it and then the aftermath – it hit Maxi on the wrist. It didn`t sound good”.
“(Owen) is not the guy you want to be bowling to in T20 training, that`s for sure. Maxi`s been there and gone through that (serious injuries) a couple of times now ¿ he was a bit disappointed but it`s just like any other injury. I`m sure he`ll get through it,” he added.
His replacement, Philippe, is a prolific run-scorer in Australia`s Big Bash League and has also performed well in the recent Australia `A` tour of India.
The Aussies are already without the likes of premier all-rounder Cameron Green. He has prioritised Test cricket as he is preparing for the upcoming Ashes series against arch-rivals, England. He will also be playing the Sheffield Shield at home.
Leading pacer Pat Cummins is also not part of the Australia squad at the moment due to the hot spot in his back, while Nathan Ellis is missing the New Zealand series for the birth of his first child.
AUS vs NZ T20I series: Full Squads
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.
(With PTI Inputs)