Australia suffer massive Maxwell blow ahead of NZ T20Is

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has fractured his forearm and been ruled out of this week’s three Twenty20s in New Zealand, the team said on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old, who scored an unbeaten half-century to drive Australia to a T20 series win over South Africa last month, was struck on the wrist while bowling in the nets and will return to Australia to see a specialist.

Josh Philippe will replace Maxwell in the squad for the three matches against the Black Caps at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Chris Woakes announces international retirement

Batter-wicketkeeper Philippe, a prolific run-scorer in Australia’s Big Bash League, was named player of the series in the recent Australia ‘A’ tour of India.

Glenn Maxwell is out of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy #NZvAUS

Details: https://t.co/h3JcTpJH3T pic.twitter.com/1ipcR3uRGv

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 29, 2025

Maxwell was struck on the wrist by a ball while bowling to big-hitter Owen in the nets at Mount Maunganui ahead of the three-game series against the Black Caps, which begins on Wednesday (4.15pm AEST).

Maxwell will seek a specialist review on his forearm over the coming days once he arrives home with a timeline for his return unclear.