Glenn Maxwell (AFP photo)

NEW DELHI: Cricket AustraliaGlenn Maxwell will return in the Second XI competition Red ball cricket as part of Victoria’s 12-man squad to face Queensland at Junction Oval from Monday. This is Maxwell’s first four-day game in over a year as he prepares for a possible place on Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka next year.
Maxwell, who has played just two first-class matches in the last five years, suffered a serious leg injury two years ago. As he turns 36 on matchday one, his workload will be carefully monitored.
The Second XI competition is open to 12 players, 11 of whom are allowed to bat and bowl, allowing for flexible player rotation over four days. Victoria’s squad also includes state captain Will Sutherland, who is returning from a back injury and is allowed to bowl with restrictions.
Despite this game, Maxwell is unlikely to play in Victoria’s next game Sheffield shield The game starts on October 20th. Australian Test players such as Steven Smith, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc will take part in the Shield game. Scott Boland is also expected to play.
Maxwell is expected to feature in the one-day domestic match against New South Wales on October 25. However, he could miss Victoria’s third and fourth Shield rounds due to Australia’s ODI and T20I series against Pakistan. He could return for the fifth and sixth Shield games before the BBL season.
Key dates for Victoria include a pink-ball game against Queensland at the Gabba on November 24 and a home game at the MCG on December 6. Maxwell could also take part in a two-day PM pink-ball match against India starting November 30.
Maxwell’s experience in the subcontinent makes him a strong candidate for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. He was poised to take part in the first Test of the 2022 Sri Lanka tour in Galle and was valued for his skills in spin-friendly conditions.
Maxwell has played all seven of his Test matches on the subcontinent, most recently in Bangladesh in 2017. The conditions in Shield cricket are different from those in Sri Lanka, but playing red-ball cricket helps his physical preparation.
Victorian’s Second XI squad includes: Will Sutherland (c), Austin Anlezark, Liam Blackford, Dylan Brasher, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Jai Lemire, Reilley Mark, Glenn Maxwell, Jon Merlo, David Moody and Doug Warren.