Pakistan vs Australia 2018: Glenn Maxwell in Dilemma for Final T20I

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell remains a doubtful starter for the final T20I against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Maxwell, who hit a swift fifty in the second T20I hurt his hamstring on the field on Friday. Though Pakistan won the game by 11 runs, Maxwell’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed. Now, ahead of the final match, Maxwell will undergo the fitness test to claim for his spot.

Maxwell’s injury scare Australia

Meanwhile, Australia had surrendered the T20I series and would look to win the dead-rubber in Dubai to retain pride. However, Maxwell is believed to be out of danger and would hope to end the series on a high. Moreover, his fitness would be a concern for Australia looking at the South Africa ODIs, which begins on November 4.

Of late, the injuries had hit Australia cricket significantly. During the Pakistan Tests, Usman Khawaja got injured. Also, fast bowler Mitchell Starc hurt his hamstring and remained out of first two T20Is against Pakistani team. However, Justin Langer, Australia head coach is confident of seeing Usman playing the Adelaide Test against India. Along with that, availability of Starc for the India series, and the forthcoming Proteas ODIs would boost Australia’s confidence.

Speaking of the T20I series against Pakistan, Aaron Finch men would hope to produce an improved show in Dubai. With a few T20 stars in their ranks including D’Arcy Short, Chris Lynn and the concerned Maxwell, the Australians will like to turn tables around.

We would like to avoid a whitewash – Mitchell  Marsh

Mitchell Marsh, the star all-rounder, who didn’t perform well in the Tests says the Men in yellow would do anything to avoid a whitewash.

“I think any time you get a chance to have a win, you gain momentum,” Marsh said. “It’s often spoken out that playing for Australia, there’s no such thing as a dead rubber. We’re still playing for a lot of pride here.”

“It’d be nice to get on that plane tomorrow night having won, and hopefully the one-day boys will be able to start well.”

Meanwhile, the third and final T20I between Pakistan and Australia will take place in Dubai on Sunday (October 28th).