Glenn Maxwell ruled out of South Africa T20Is, Matthew Wade named replacement

Australia have made the trip to South Africa where they will play three T20Is followed by a five-match ODI series against the Proteas. The first T20I is scheduled to be held in Durban on Wednesday, August 30. The away side suffered a huge blow as one of their best players in white-ball cricket, Glenn Maxwell, has been ruled out of the T20I series with an ankle injury. The experienced campaigner injured himself during Australia's first training session in Durban.

As Maxwell's replacement, the Aussies have called up wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade to the side. Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said that Maxwell was being pulled out of the squad with an eye on the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, followed by the 50-over World Cup. The 34-year-old was set to leave the squad following the T20I series against South Africa for the birth of his first child before rejoining the team in India for the ODI series.

"We are taking a precautionary approach, given Glenn was heading home next week in any case. We will monitor Glenn's recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup," Dodemaide was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Glenn Maxwell suffered ankle injury on his surgically repaired left leg

The star batter broke his leg under bizarre circumstances when his friend accidentally fell on his left leg in November 2022. He had to go through surgery on his fractured fibula. Maxwell has a metal plate fitted on his left leg and he has now unfortunately injured his ankle on the same.

However, Dodemaide has said that he is being pulled out of the Australia squad for the T20I against South Africa as more of a safety-first approach, and cricket fans should breathe a great sigh of relief after knowing this.