Glenn Maxwell speaks about his Test cricket fitness

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has disclosed that a leg injury from two years ago continues to impact his performance and could jeopardize his chances of making a comeback to Test cricket. At 35, Maxwell faces a significant challenge to demonstrate his fitness and secure a place in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Maxwell's Test career has been relatively brief, with only seven appearances since his debut, the most recent being in September 2017. Although he boasts a Test average of 26.07 and has a memorable century against India, his opportunities in the format have been limited. His recent first-class cricket experience includes a stint with Warwickshire in July 2023, but the lingering effects of a leg injury sustained in November 2022 continue to pose a threat to his Test ambitions.

The Melbourne-born cricketer has openly addressed the challenges he faces due to this persistent injury. Despite his proven capabilities in limited-overs formats and domestic cricket, the injury's ongoing impact has raised concerns about his readiness for the rigors of Test cricket. As Maxwell works to overcome these issues, his goal remains to prove his fitness and make a successful return to the longest format of the game, hoping to contribute to the Australian team’s success in Sri Lanka.

"It’s still my leg. It’s what is giving me the most grief since breaking it, so it’s still a work in progress. It’s something I have to work hard on every day to make sure it’s in a position where I feel like I can get through a full day of cricket unscathed and hopefully pain-free," said Glenn Maxwell in a recent interview. 

Glenn Maxwell has expressed his strong determination to get his body into peak condition ahead of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, remaining optimistic about his potential impact with both bat and ball. Despite facing significant hurdles in his road to recovery, Maxwell is focused on proving his fitness and making a compelling case for selection. The journey to full fitness has been further hindered by additional setbacks. Maxwell experienced a concussion during the 2023 World Cup, which added to his struggles, and he also encountered an alcohol-related incident earlier this year. These challenges have complicated his recovery process and affected his preparation for a return to Test cricket.

In discussing the selection process for the Sri Lanka tour, Maxwell provided valuable insights into the specific demands of playing in subcontinental conditions. He highlighted the unique requirements of adapting to the local playing conditions, which often feature spin-friendly pitches and varying weather conditions. Maxwell's experience in first-class cricket and his understanding of these conditions could play a crucial role in his selection, provided he demonstrates the necessary fitness and form. Maxwell remains hopeful that if given the opportunity, he can deliver strong performances and contribute significantly to the team’s success. His commitment to overcoming his physical challenges and his awareness of the demands of subcontinental cricket underscore his readiness to make a meaningful comeback.

"They’ve been pretty open to selecting outside the box for players who do well in those conditions, and knowing what it’s like in Sri Lanka, I don’t think Shield form is going to be a huge factor in how someone is going to go over there. It’s just completely different conditions, you’ve got to have a really solid game plan against spin and a really good idea of how you’re going to tackle them in those conditions – it’s a different beast," Maxwell concluded.