Maxwell Eyes Return to Four-Day Cricket as Sheffield Shield Opportunity Looms
Victoria captain Will Sutherland has expressed optimism about Glenn Maxwell’s potential return to four-day cricket, with the all-rounder potentially making appearances for Victoria in the upcoming Sheffield Shield season. Maxwell, who has been absent from first-class cricket for over 18 months, is expected to rejoin the Victorian side for a couple of matches in October, according to Sutherland.
Maxwell, 35, last played a red-ball match in early 2022 and hasn’t donned the baggy green since the 2017 Bangladesh tour. However, he has recently indicated a strong desire to return to the longer format of the game. Speaking to NewsWire last month, Maxwell stated that he was eager to demonstrate his ability to endure the demands of four consecutive days of cricket. His goal is to make a case for inclusion in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in February.
Sutherland welcomed the prospect of Maxwell’s return, stating that the dynamic all-rounder could be a significant asset for Victoria. “I think he’ll be available for a couple of games, and I believe he’s keen to play as well,” Sutherland said on Wednesday. “Obviously, things can change with him playing at the moment, but to have a player like Glenn potentially come into our side is a bit of a luxury, so hopefully that can work out nicely.”
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Maxwell’s first opportunity to return to Shield action could come shortly after Australia’s white-ball tour of the UK, with a likely appearance in the second match of the season against New South Wales. This clash could see Maxwell facing off against Test spinner Nathan Lyon and members of Australia’s premier pace attack.
Meanwhile, Sutherland provided an update on Scott Boland, the fringe Test pacer who has been recovering from a knee issue. Boland is expected to be fit in time for the second Shield game, with Sutherland confirming that the fast bowler has been bowling well in the nets. “I faced him in the nets a few days ago, and he’s still nipping the ball back into me, blowing my quad off every second ball,” Sutherland joked. “He’s still got his tools, and he’s just building up nicely.”
With a one-day series against Pakistan kicking off at the MCG on November 4, Maxwell’s performance in the Sheffield Shield could play a key role in his hopes of returning to Australia’s Test lineup for the Sri Lanka tour next year.
