Cricket News: Glenn Maxwell update – star all-rounder likely to be rested for dead-rubber against Bangladesh at Pune
Superstar all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is likely to be rested for Australia’s final league game against Bangladesh at Pune on Saturday. Maxwell, fresh off one of the all-time great ODI knocks on Tuesday, is still recovering from the full-body cramps that he overcame in an incredible innings.
According to a report in cricket.com.au, Maxwell is still feeling the effects of a big day against Afghanistan in very hot conditions at Mumbai. Given his importance to the team and the fact a semi-final against South Africa is to come during the week, Australia will be well served putting Maxwell on ice to ensure he’s right to go for the big knockout match.
Glenn Maxwell expected to be rested against Bangladesh, Steve Smith set to return
Assistant coach Daniel Vettori confirmed Maxwell has been in recovery mode in recent days. He said that the team will see how the all-rounder pulls up, but he hinted that the semi-final is the main priority.
“He’s definitely been in full recovery mode the last few days. I think we all saw the effects of the innings and in particular the heat,” said Vettori.
“Today’s [Friday] a big day to see how he pulls up. We’ll just see how he feels as the day continues on but it’s obviously been pretty hectic for him the last few days.
“It’ll be how he feels – I don’t think it’ll be a fitness-test scenario. We understand that obviously now that the semi-final is pretty definitive in Kolkata that it will be a build towards that.
“He does have a track record of being able to bounce back pretty quickly, even with some time away from the game.”
Steve Smith is expected to come into the XI. He missed the Afghanistan game after suffering from vertigo, but has not shown any of the dizziness symptoms that plagued his preparation for that clash. In fact, he played golf during the week.
Also, Australia could rest one or more of their frontline pace bowlers, with Sean Abbott expected to make the XI. The team management also have the option of playing Cameron Green in place of one of the quicks as the all-rounder can offer overs with his seam.
Australia’s possible playing XI against Bangladesh: 1. David Warner, 2. Travis Head, 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Josh Inglis/Alex Carey (wk), 8. Cameron Green, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Pat Cummins/Mitchell Starc/Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa
