After the five-wicket defeat against India in Hobart, the Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that Glenn Maxwell will be fit and available for the fourth T20I. India rode on Arshdeep Singh's three-fer and Washington Sundar's 49 to thrash Australia by five wickets in the third T20I on November 2. Australia desperately missed the services of Maxwell in the third T20I, who was expected to feature in the match.
Glenn Maxwell to play 4th T20I against India: Mitchell Marsh
Maxwell, who had recently broken his wrist during a net session last month, had done some light training and fielding drills before the third T20I. However, Australian management ultimately elected not to risk him, opting for a cautious approach to his return to competitive cricket. The 37-year-old was left out of the playing eleven against India, with the management now scheduling his anticipated comeback for the fourth T20I in the series.
Maxwell remains a vital component of the Australian side. Despite the squad boasting other all-rounders, Maxwell's match-winning skills, both with bat and ball, make him a dangerous and irreplaceable player for the opposition. With the T20 World Cup approaching next year, and given his extensive experience and knowledge of Indian conditions—a massive advantage—the Australian management views Maxwell's consistent inclusion in the squad as essential.
However, Marsh has made it clear that Maxwell will be playing the fourth T20I against India.
"Hopefully he’ll be fit and available for Thursday. He’s such an experienced T20 campaigner - we’d love to have him back," March said at the post-match presentation.
Talking about the match, following a heavy defeat in Melbourne, the third T20I in Hobart presented a crucial test of character for the Indian side. A positive start was signaled by the fact that India finally broke their toss curse, opting to bowl first. The decision immediately paid off, as the recalled pacer Arshdeep Singh made an instant impact. He removed the dangerous Travis Head in his first over and then dismissed Josh Inglis in his second, giving India control with an early double strike. Despite the early wickets, Australia seized the momentum through a stunning counterattack led by Tim David. Coming in at number three, the power-hitter launched a relentless assault on the Indian bowlers, smashing 74 runs off just 38 balls and dominating both pace and spin. India, which initially seemed in control, suddenly faced the prospect of a massive 220-plus total. The crucial breakthrough came from Shivam Dube, who, despite an otherwise expensive spell (1/43 in 3 overs), managed to dismiss the dangerous David. Following this crucial wicket, Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39) played a composed, guiding innings to ensure Australia reached a highly competitive total of 186 in the lively, breezy conditions.
We were probably 20 runs short: Marsh after losing to India in 3rd T20I
In reply, India chased down the 187-run total with nine balls to spare, thanks to Washington Sundar's blazing 23-ball 49.
"We were probably 20 runs short. Credit to India - they bowled really well. We gave it our best in the field, but they deserved the win. (Learnings from having to bat first) We just needed those extra 20 runs. I liked the intent from our batters, especially Tim David, who came in after early wickets and played superbly. Stoinis too showed great experience at the end. In T20s, small margins one or two good overs or bad overs - can change everything. He (Maxwell) was close (to playing) today but not quite ready," Marsh added.
The fourth T20I between India and Australia will be played on November 6 in Queensland.