Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Glenn Maxwell pulls out of IPL due to injury
Australia and Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is all set to return home, after suffering a side strain during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. With KXIP out of contention for a potential play-off spot, the 27-year old’s exit will be keeping mind his country’s tour of West Indies next month.
Cricket Australia Physiotherapist David Beakley confirmed the news on Monday. Maxwell is all set to join an Australian IPL exodus of sorts with players such as Shaun Marsh, John Hastings, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith already returning back home.
Beakley said, “Glenn had earlier reported pain in his left abdomen area, we took a decision after the SRH match whether it was worth his stay in India right now. We will be assessing the situation further as he needs to be fully fit ahead of the West Indies tour. The injury is not very serious but we can’t take any risks as the tour is pivotal for Australia. We want to give him enough time to recover.”
Australia is all set to face West Indies during their first match in Guyana on June 5. The series will be completelyt playedplayed in a day/night format.
Maxwell was one of the better players for KXIP this season, scoring two half centuries, including a highest score of 68. His strike rate of 144.35 was also one of the highest ones in the squad. Smith, is currently nursing a wrist injury and is expected to be fit by the West Indies ODI series. The Australian Captain scored 45, 101 and 45 in his three inning for Rising Pune Supergiants.
Mitchell Marsh is out with a side strain as well with Beakley confirming his fitness by the West Indies tour. The team is set to fly out on May 27, with Smith fighting a race against time for recovery.
Australia squad for West Indies tour: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), George Bailey, Scott Boland, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa