Isha Sharma
Glenn Maxwell is set to make his Sheffield Shield return for Victoria, with hopes of securing a place in Australia’s Test squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in early 2025. Victoria captain Will Sutherland confirmed that Maxwell, currently in England with Australia’s ODI team, is keen to play in a couple of Shield games early in the summer.
Maxwell’s last appearance in the Sheffield
Shield came in February 2023, as his white-ball commitments and a leg injury limited his first-class appearances in recent years.
With Sri Lankan pitches favouring spin, Maxwell’s skills as a spin-bowling allrounder could prove valuable for the two-Test series, vital for Australia’s quest to reach the World Test Championship final.
Maxwell’s Test Hopes on the Rise
At 36, Maxwell remains a key figure in Australia’s limited-overs setup but has played just seven Test matches, all on the subcontinent.
His ability to adapt to spinning conditions could see him feature in the Test series in Sri Lanka.
Australia’s selectors view his experience in the subcontinent as an asset, especially if the matches in Sri Lanka are expected to be low-scoring.
While he is not in the frame for Australia’s five-Test series against India at home, the Sri Lankan tour presents an opportunity for Maxwell to re-enter the Test arena.
Sutherland and Boland’s Shield Preparations
Sutherland himself is facing bowling restrictions in the early part of the Shield season due to a stress fracture in his back.
Despite this, he aims to contribute with both bat and ball for Victoria.
Meanwhile, Australia fast bowler Scott Boland is expected to return for Victoria’s second Shield game against New South Wales at the MCG after recovering from a knee issue.
Maxwell’s return and the Shield games will offer vital match practice for several Australian players as they gear up for crucial international fixtures.
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