IPL the path back for injured Warner, Maxwell and Hazlewood
Glenn Maxwell became the latest Australian player to struggle with injury, after Australia recovered from a dreadful start to the India tour with just one loss in their past five internationals.
A spectator for the final two one-day matches as Australia wrapped up a courageous 2-1 series victory in Chennai on Thursday morning, Maxwell was unable to cope with the harsh conditions of one-day cricket in India so soon after returning from a broken leg.
He flew in as part of a major squad change over after the four-Test series earlier this month, which finished 2-1 after Australia lost the first two matches.
Maxwell played the first one-day game in Mumbai last Friday with little impact and was limping towards the end.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said that Maxwell found his return taxing.
“Glenn has done an incredible amount of work to get to this point after such a significant injury but found the 50-over format more demanding than he had expected,” Bailey told the Herald and The Age.
Glenn Maxwell bowling in Mumbai before missing the last two one-day matches.Credit:Getty
“He will only continue to get stronger over time. He is a very important part of this group.”
Maxwell, David Warner and Josh Hazlewood will all use the IPL, which starts in a week, as part of their recovery process.
Cricket Australia officials have been advised by medical staff that the 20-over format will be ideal for the recovering players.
Warner suffered a hairline fracture of his left elbow during the second Test in Delhi. He was sent home to recuperate and on his return missed the first two one-day matches before needing a medical clearance to play in the third after limited practice time.
Mitchell Marsh was the dominant batsman of the tournament.Credit:AP
Strangely, he batted at No.4 instead of his usual position as an opener, raising some fascinating questions about the make-up of Australia’s team for the 50-over World Cup in India during October and November.
Mitchell Marsh was promoted to open the batting in Warner’s absence, joining Travis Head, who moved to the top of the order following the retirement of Aaron Finch from one-day cricket early in the season.
Marsh played with such dynamic power and freedom that he stayed at the top of the order when Warner returned for the last match and is considered a chance to tour England as an all-rounder.
Unable to bowl after recovering from ankle surgery but expected to be available to bowl during the World Cup, Marsh was the dominant batsman of the tournament. He scored 194 runs at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 131, hitting 24 fours and 12 sixes. No other batsman managed more than two sixes. His 81 in Australia’s losing first game was also the highest score of the tournament.
David Warner played the last match after missing the opening two one-day games.Credit:Getty
To highlight Marsh’s domination, the only other batsman to manage 100 runs in the tournament was India’s KL Rahul, who made 116 across the three games at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 76.
Josh Hazlewood was sent home after being ruled out of the first two Tests with an Achilles problem and is expected to join the IPL next month. He has had a frustrating two seasons with injuries.
Dynamic all-rounder Cameron Green missed the last game through illness, and like Mitchell Starc was only available for the last two Tests after they recovered from finger injuries.
Captain Pat Cummins went home to be with his seriously ill mother, who died a fortnight ago, and Ashton Agar was flown home to play state cricket after losing confidence at practice but returned for the one-day series. Queensland rookie Matthew Kuhnemann flown in to play the last three Tests as Australia opted for three spinners.
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