Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell sidelined for three months after breaking leg in ‘freak accident’

Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell could be facing three months on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a “freak accident”.

Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell could be facing three months on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a “freak accident” on Saturday.

Cricket Australia has confirmed the Victorian all-rounder was forced to undergo surgery on Sunday afternoon after suffering a fractured left fibula during a friend‘s 50th birthday party.

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According to NewsCorp, Maxwell is expected to be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks after he slipped while running in the Melbourne venue’s backyard.

He reportedly was not intoxicated when the incident occurred.

In a frustrating blow for the Melbourne Stars, the 34-year-old could miss the entire Big Bash League.

Incredible news: Glenn Maxwell is out for up to three months after breaking his leg in a freak accident at a friend's 50th birthday on Saturday night

— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) November 13, 2022

Freak accidents and cricketers, eh? Glenn Maxwell is out for up to 3 months after breaking his leg at a friend’s birthday party. Awful timing for him, although I guess there’s never a good time for injury.

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) November 13, 2022

“Glenn is in good spirits,” chair of selectors George Bailey said in a statement.

“It was an unfortunate accident and we feel for Glenn in the circumstances given he was in great touch in his last few games.

“Glenn is a critical part of our white ball structure and we will continue to support him through his recovery and rehabilitation.”

Earlier this week, Maxwell was named in Australia’s 14-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which gets underway at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening.

New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott will replace Maxwell in the national squad.

“Glenn is obviously a huge part of the Melbourne Stars and we wish him well in his recovery,” Stars general manager Blair Crouch said in a statement.

“He will continue to be a key part of the club during the start of the season as he works his way back to full fitness and we look forward to seeing him soon.”

Glenn Maxwell of Australia. Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Maxwell has scored six centuries in 232 matches for Australia since making his international debut in 2012.

He was hoping to end his three-year Sheffield Shield hiatus this summer in an effort to push his Test credentials ahead of Australia’s highly-anticipated tour of India.

Maxwell has not played first-class cricket since October 2019, with international commitments and the sport’s crammed schedule repeatedly preventing the right-hander from plying his trade in the Sheffield Shield.

His drought was expected to finally end later this year, with a window opening for him to play some Sheffield Shield cricket between the T20 World Cup and the Big Bash, but this injury setback will harm his chances of a Test recall.

Originally published as Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell sidelined for three months after breaking leg in ‘freak accident’