Glenn Maxwell likely to miss India series before ODI World Cup due to ankle issue

Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, with the marquee tournament set to begin on October 5 in India. It goes without saying that the Australian team is one of the strongest contenders to go all the way and win the coveted title. However, currently, the side is going through a rough patch with regard to fitness as several star players have missed recent matches due to fitness issues.

Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has said that he will have to be careful with his preparation if he is to properly compete in the upcoming tournament. Notably, Maxwell was in South Africa for Australia’s recent concluded T20I series but had to bow out due to soreness in his ankle. It is also worth noting that Australia take on India in an ODI series before the World Cup and Maxwell stated that he would like to be fit for the series. However, there is a chance he may have to sit out of the series to be in the reckoning for the World Cup.

“I still want to play some part of that India series, but I’m not feeling any pressure on it. The selectors and the staff have been brilliant with me as well. They don’t want to put too much pressure on me to sort of set that date because they know they’ve got a bit of extra time before the World Cup. So instead of rushing it and probably putting myself a week or two behind, being able to give myself extra time and make sure we get through the whole tournament,” Glenn Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Furthermore, the 34-year-old will be meeting up with Cricket Australia’s medical staff on Monday, September 4, to further discuss his fitness. The staff will help him better decide his schedule for flying into India for the series and the World Cup.

“I don’t think I could have predicted how sore I was going to be once I got to South Africa, but it was one of those things. Even when I went to train that day, I still felt fine. There was nothing wrong. Something just got impinged. I think one of the tendons around my ankle was a little bit inflamed, there’s a bit of swelling, so it kept on catching, which meant it just gave me a bit of pain.