Despite announcing his retirement from ODIs earlier this year, Glenn Maxwell will return to play 50-over matches for Victoria as part of his preparations for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Maxwell has been included in Victoria’s 14-member squad for their first two Dean Jones Trophy matches, which will be held against Queensland and Tasmania at Allan Border Field on Wednesday and Friday.
A Key Preparation Ahead of T20I Series
Maxwell, 36, has not played a List A match for Victoria since March 2022, but he will now feature in the upcoming 50-over fixtures. He is aiming to regain match fitness and form ahead of the T20I series. Fellow Australian T20I squad member Matt Short also makes his return to competitive cricket, playing his first match since the Major League Cricket (MLC) in July. Short missed both the T20I tour of the Caribbean and the home series against South Africa due to a side strain.
Victoria’s Leadership Changes
Will Sutherland will captain Victoria for the first match, before departing for India to join the Australia A squad for a four-day game in Lucknow. Peter Handscomb will take over as captain for the second match. Some of Victoria’s key players, like youngster Oliver Peake and spinner Todd Murphy, are unavailable due to their commitments with Australia A.
Queensland’s Squad Under Marnus Labuschagne
Queensland will be led by Marnus Labuschagne for their matches against Victoria on Wednesday and Western Australia on Sunday. Several of Queensland’s key players are unavailable: Xavier Bartlett is with Australia A, Mark Steketee is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Callum Vidler is out with a stress fracture. Usman Khawaja has opted out of both games to focus on preparation for the Sheffield Shield and the Ashes.
Potential Debuts for Queensland
Queensland could see debut appearances from former New South Wales all-rounder Hayden Kerr and former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Hugh Weibgen. Talents like Tom Straker and Lachlan Hearne will feature in both games before joining the Australia A squad in India.
Squads for the Matches
Victoria Squad:
Will Sutherland, Peter Handscomb, Blake Macdonald, Callum Stow, Cam McClure, David Moody, Glenn Maxwell, Harry Dixon, Marcus Harris, Matt Short, Mitch Perry, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper, Tom Rogers.
Queensland Squad:
Marnus Labuschagne (captain), Jack Clayton, Benji Floros, Lachlan Hearne, Hayden Kerr, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth.
Maxwell’s participation in the Dean Jones Trophy will be a crucial step in his preparation for the T20I series, while also providing valuable match experience for the upcoming international fixtures.
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