Glenn Maxwell’s bold bid for Test re-birth gets Victorian tick of approval

Victorian selectors have given Glenn Maxwell a red ball lifeline in his audacious Test comeback bid.

Glenn Maxwell in Victorian colours in 2023. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Glenn Maxwell is set to launch his campaign to return to the Australian Test side via a Victorian second XI match against Queensland next week.

The all-rounder who last played a Test in 2017, seldom plays red-ball cricket these days but will line up for the Vics’ second side in a significant step towards being a part of the tour of Sri Lanka early next year.

Maxwell was on the cusp of playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka when the Aussies toured there two years ago but was ultimately bypassed. He would likely have been a part of the series of India in 2023 but broke his leg in a freak accident months beforehand.

He could also feature in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at the MCG that begins on Sunday week.

Glenn Maxwell is ready to make his red-ball comeback. Picture: Getty

Maxwell, who turns 36 on Monday, was on Friday included in a 12-man squad for the four-day match at Junction Oval.

It will be his first appearance for the Victorian second XI since January 2010.

Victorian skipper Will Sutherland has been named captain of the second XI side after missing the opening round of the Shield season amid a careful plan to manage his troublesome back.

Test quick Scott Boland had been earmarked to play the second XI match but has not been included, suggesting a change of plans.

Sutherland, Boland and Maxwell have all been training in the Junction Oval nets this week while the Vics have been playing Tasmania in their Shield opener.

Maxwell has long yearned to add to his seven Tests, all of which have come in Asia.

Originally published as Glenn Maxwell’s bold bid for Test re-birth gets Victorian tick of approval