The ODI World Cup 2023 is slated to commence on October 5 in India. The Australian cricket team stands as one of the formidable contenders, vying to clinch the prestigious title. Nevertheless, the current state of the team is marked by a tumultuous phase in terms of fitness, with several key players being sidelined in recent matches owing to health concerns.
Their key all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has emphasized the necessity of meticulous preparation to ensure his optimal readiness for the upcoming mega-event. Notably, the player was part of Australia’s recent T20I series in South Africa but had to withdraw due to discomfort in his ankle.
Australia is slated to lock horns in an ODI series against India as a final dress rehearsal prior to the World Cup and Maxwell has expressed his desire to regain full fitness for this series. However, there exists a possibility that he may need to abstain from participating in the series to enhance the 34-year-old’s prospects of featuring in the World Cup.
“I still want to play some part of that India series, but I’m not feeling any pressure on it. The selectors and the staff have been brilliant with me as well. They don’t want to put too much pressure on me to sort of set that date because they know they’ve got a bit of extra time before the World Cup.
So instead of rushing it and probably putting myself a week or two behind, being able to give myself extra time and make sure we get through the whole tournament,”
he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Additionally, Maxwell has scheduled a meeting with Cricket Australia’s medical personnel to engage in a more comprehensive discussion about his fitness. This consultation will aid him in making informed decisions regarding his itinerary for traveling to India, encompassing both the series and the World Cup.
