Australia have announced their new updated squads for the ongoing India tour, confirming the return of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell to the T20I team after recovering from a minor wrist injury, but he will be only available for the final three matches of the T20I series.
Along with this, the selectors have made several adjustments to both the ODI and T20I squads to ensure players’ workloads are balanced ahead of a demanding international schedule.
The tour features three ODIs and five T20Is, which continues this week with the third and final ODI on October 25 it is held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), followed by the T20I series beginning on October 29.
Maxwell Returns for T20I
After missing the first two T20I matches due to a wrist fracture sustained during training, Glenn Maxwell has been cleared to return for the final three T20Is against India. His comeback is a major boost for Australia’s middle order, adding balance with his powerful hitting and handy off-spin.
The Australia’s selectors see Maxwell’s comeback to the team as a major step towards building their ideal T20 combination, mainly with the 2026 T20 World Cup coming near. He will join the squad for the last three matches, the third, fourth, and fifth T20Is.
ODI Squad Adjustments
Respective changes have been made by Australia in their ODI squad for the ongoing series. Jack Edwards has been added to the squad for the third ODI, and also spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been recalled. For now, Marnus Labuschagne has been released from the ODI team so that he can focus on domestic cricket.
It will give opportunities to other players. These moves highlight Australia’s strategy of rotating players and managing workloads, especially with multiple series lined up in the next few months.
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Will Glenn Maxwell Play the 3rd ODI ?
Despite his return to the T20 setup, Maxwell is unlikely to feature in the 3rd ODI against India. His recovery timeline was planned specifically for the T20I series, and Australia’s medical team doesn’t want to rush his comeback in the longer white-ball format.
According to some sources which are close to the team, Maxwell is concentrating on returning fully fit for the T20 leg of the tour. With appropriate replacements already available in the ODI squad, Australia do not want to take any risks in the shorter format for Maxwell where his presence is most influential.
Other Key Inclusion
- Ben Dwarshuis, the left-arm pacer, has been included for the last two T20Is.
- Josh Philippe, the wicketkeeper-batter, joins as a backup option.
- Young pacer Mahli Beardman earns a call-up for the third to fifth T20Is, signaling Australia’s intention to test new talent.
Conclusion
Australia’s squad reshuffle for the India series reflects a clear strategy, resting senior players, managing fitness, and testing bench strength. Glenn Maxwell’s return to the T20I side marks a timely boost for the hosts, while his absence from the ODI finale indicates careful workload management.
As the series moves from ODIs to T20Is, all eyes will be on Maxwell to see if he can make an immediate impact and strengthen Australia’s middle order once again.
Written by Kinjal Walantra