Glenn Maxwell ruled out of New Zealand T20Is due to freak injury in nets, 28-year-old batter who smashed 87-ball 123 vs India A called up

In a massive setback for Australia ahead of the three-T20I series against New Zealand, their experienced campaigner Glenn Maxwell suffered a freak injury in the nets. Maxwell suffered a fractured right wrist after he was hit by a straight drive from young all-rounder Mitchell Owen while bowling in the nets in Mount Maunganui.

Matthew Short was batting in the adjoining net when Maxwell was hit by Owen’s powerful shot.

"I saw it out of the corner of my eye. We're training under a marquee, so it's really echo-y and loud," Short told cricket.com.au.

"I saw (Owen) smoked it and then the aftermath – it hit Maxi on the wrist. It didn't sound good. (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."

ALSO READ: 'They were saying a lot of things..Now they are not visible...': Tilak Varma reveals how he chose to respond to Pakistan's taunting during Asia Cup 2025 final, VIDEO

Maxwell has flown back home to consult a specialist. The extent of the injury is unknown and there are clouds of uncertainty over Maxwell’s participation in the home T20I series against India next month. It is followed by the Big Bash League 2025-26 which will begin on December 14.

ALSO READ: Exclusive | 'Quite a lot happened on the field...' Suryakumar Yadav reveals how India coped up with Pakistan's provocation in Asia Cup 2025

Who is Maxwell’s replacement in T20I squad?

In Maxwell’s absence, 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been added to the squad. Philippe's last T20I appearance was against India in 2023. Philippe was ignored by selectors when Josh Inglis was ruled out of the series due to a calf injury. Alex Carey who played against South Africa was named Inglis' replacement.

Philippe’s recent form and T20I record

Philippe has been in good form of late. It seems his aggressive style on Australia A's tour of India A impressed the selectors. In the first unofficial Test, he smashed an unbeaten 87-ball 12 against India A. His knock was studded with 18 fours and four sixes. He followed it up with knocks of 39 and 50 in the next game. The 28-year-old hasn't had much success in T20Is. From 12 appearances, he has 150 runs at an average of 12.50 and strike rate of 109.48.

Australia’s updated T20I squad for New Zealand series

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.