Glenn Maxwell Returns to Red-Ball Cricket in Second XI Match

Glenn Maxwell, the enigmatic Australian all-rounder, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in Cricket Australia's Second XI four-day competition. Maxwell has been named in Victoria's 12-man squad for the match against Queensland at the Junction Oval, starting on Monday.

This marks Maxwell's first four-day match in over 12 months as he gears up for a potential Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year. However, it is unlikely that he will feature in Victoria's next Sheffield Shield match, which begins just three days after the Second XI game.

Maxwell's inclusion in the Second XI squad is part of a carefully managed workload, given his history of injuries. The 36-year-old has played only two first-class matches in the last five years.

Despite his limited red-ball experience, Maxwell remains a serious contender for Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka. His experience in the subcontinent, where he played in the 2022 Sri Lanka tour, makes him a valuable asset.

Maxwell's ability as a spin-bowling allrounder is seen as an advantage in the spinning conditions of Sri Lanka. All of his seven Test matches have been played on the subcontinent, with his last appearance coming in Bangladesh in 2017.

While Shield cricket is not considered a direct indicator of Test performance in Sri Lanka, Maxwell's participation in the Second XI game is crucial for his physical conditioning.

Victoria's Second XI squad also includes state captain Will Sutherland, who is returning from a serious back injury. Sutherland will bowl under restrictions in the match.

Tags: #GlennMaxwell, #CricketAustralia, #SecondXI, #Victoria, #Queensland