Glenn Maxwell scored 61 runs for club team Fitzroy-Doncaster on Saturday in his successful return from a broken leg.
Maxwell fractured his left fibula at a friend’s 50th birthday party in November, and he hasn’t played cricket since the T20 World Cup. Yesterday, he was named to Victoria’s Marsh Sheffield Shield squad for their match against South Australia.
“To bring a player of Glenn’s calibre into the squad is exciting, he has a fantastic record in Shield cricket and it’s a shame he hasn’t been able to play more of it,” said David Hussey, Cricket Victoria’s Head of Male Cricket.”
Following the conclusion of the current Border Gavaskar competition, Maxwell is also considering a return to the Australian team for their three-match ODI series in India. If chosen for the tour, Maxwell could play two Marsh One-Day Cup matches and one more Shield match for Victoria should the state advance to the final before leaving for India.
One month from today, on March 17, Mumbai will play host to the first One-Day International against India.
Maxwell said he had worked hard to return, and he hoped to play in Australia’s ODI series against India in March.
“It’s been a pretty long journey over the last 3½ months, so a lot of early morning sessions, gym, rehab, pool sessions, physio,” he said.
“To feel like I am at the back-end of that now and able to play some cricket is something I’m proud of.”
“I think probably 80 per cent. I have a fair bit to go until I am fully fit for a one-day game, which is what I’m working towards,” he said.
“I won’t bowl, I’m still building up my loads and getting that natural body movement muscle memory going.
“As far as the batting and time on feet goes, I have done a lot of work behind the scenes to get myself ready, so it’s a small step in the comeback.
“I think I’m trying not to put nay expectations in it … it has been a long time since I’ve played in this format.”
