'Surgery Gives Me Hope' - Glenn Maxwell eyes surprise comeback for India-Australia T20I series

In a major update for fans of Australian cricket, star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell provided the good newsthat he's optimistic he can return to full fitness to play in the final three T20Is against India. The Men in Blue will tour Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is, starting on October 19. Maxwell, who continues to focus on T20 cricket following his ODI retirement, was sidelined from the squad for the New Zealand series due to a wrist injury.

The injury occurred when Maxwell was struck on the hand by a powerful shot from Mitchell Owen during a practice session, forcing him to undergo surgery. Speaking about his recovery, the Australian all-rounder shared that the operation was necessary to improve his chances of participating in the India series.

"I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right. The only reason I had the surgery was that the options they gave me were to miss that series completely or have surgery, and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part. And if not, I'll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good standing to get the rest of my body right," Maxwell said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Maxwell Opens Up on His Injury and Recovery Process

It is worth noting that Cricket Australia has so far announced the squad only for the first two T20Is against India. Maxwell revealed that the injury was purely accidental and unfortunate, as the ball hit directly on the bone rather than on the flesh, which would have made a big difference.

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Reflecting on the incident, he humorously added that he now prefers not to bowl to big-hitters like Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Mitchell Owen, to avoid any similar accidents in the future. Despite the setback, Maxwell remains optimistic about making a strong comeback later in the series or at the very least before the Big Bash League.