ICC World Cup 2023: "Still Want To Play Some Part Of That India Series" - Glenn Maxwell Expresses Optimism To Play World Cup

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell expressed his desire to return to international cricket through a three-match ODI series against India later this year. However, Glenn Maxwell emphasized the need for cautious planning in his preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.

Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa due to injury. The right-handed batter had been in South Africa for four days but was forced to return home after experiencing soreness in his left ankle during his first training session.

I’m Not Feeling Any Pressure – Glenn Maxwell

Speaking at the BBL overseas draft on Sunday, Glenn Maxwell lauded the selectors and staff for their support, saying that they don’t want to pressure him by setting a specific return date.

“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,” Maxwell said.

“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.”

The 34-year-old sustained a leg injury during a friend’s birthday celebration in November last year. The swashbuckling batter was sidelined from action for nearly three months following a freaky injury.

Don’t Think I Could Have Predicted – Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell revealed that his ankle unexpectedly flared up with soreness during a training session in South Africa ahead of the T20I series.

“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,” Maxwell further added.

“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. Hopefully, the cortisone takes care of that and I can get back up and running to where I was just before I went to South Africa.”

“We’ve probably just got to be a bit smarter going forward. Making sure that my preparation is a bit more managed, I think leading into a flight like that. I’m already back in the gym, so I’ll probably get back into full training probably this week, so it won’t be a long turnaround. It’s just knowing that I’m not over the hurdle of the original injury yet,” he concluded.

Maxwell was named in Australia’s preliminary squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. He will make it into the final 15-member squad if he is available for selection. The selectors will finalize their squad following the three matches against India.

Also read: SA vs AUS: Glenn Maxwell Ruled Out Of South Africa Tour, Dark Clouds On ICC World Cup 2023 Participation