Big blow for Australia with star all-rounder injured in nets
Glenn Maxwell has suffered a fractured forearm in the nets ahead of Australia's three-match T20I series in New Zealand.
Australia has called up keeper-batter Josh Philippe into their squad ahead of the opening Chappell-Hadlee Trophy contest with the Black Caps, following Maxwell's training mishap.
The 36-year-old was struck on the wrist by a Mitch Owen delivery as the side was undertaking a net session in Mount Maunganui, putting the finishing touches on their preparation for Wednesday's series opener.
"It didn't sound good," teammate Matthew Short told cricket.com.au.
"I saw it out of the corner of my eye. (Owen) is not the guy you want to be bowling to in T20 training, that's for sure. Maxi's been there and gone through that (serious injuries) a couple of times now – he was a bit disappointed but it's just like any other injury. I'm sure he'll get through it."
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Cricket Australia confirmed Maxwell would be ruled out for the series and that Philippe would act as his replacement.
It remains unclear how long it will leave the big-hitting allrounder out of action. But it's undoubtedly a huge blow for Maxwell and the Aussies, as excitement continues to build for another big cricketing summer down under and next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
According to Cricket Australia, Maxwell will return to Australia to meet a specialist, which will determine his return-to-play timeline.
It comes after Josh Inglis was replaced by Alex Carey earlier this month ahead of the three-match series with Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Australia host India in both white-ball formats next month, but will be sweating on the fitness of Maxwell ahead of their five-match T20 International series, which starts in Canberra on October 29. The series then features games in Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast and Brisbane. It will be a race against time for Maxwell.
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa