The Australian team is currently facing a challenging phase in terms of fitness, as several key players have been absent from recent matches due to fitness issues.
The highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, scheduled to kick off on October 5 in India. Undoubtedly, the Australian team stands as one of the strongest contenders, aiming to clinch the coveted title. However, the team is currently facing a challenging phase in terms of fitness, as several key players have been absent from recent matches due to fitness issues.
Renowned all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has expressed his need for cautious preparation in order to compete effectively in the upcoming tournament. Notably, Maxwell was part of Australia's recently concluded T20I series in South Africa but had to withdraw due to ankle soreness. It is worth mentioning that Australia is set to face India in an ODI series prior to the World Cup, and Maxwell has expressed his desire to regain fitness for this series. However, there is a possibility that he may have to sit out in order to ensure his participation 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," Glenn Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Moreover, on Monday, September 4, the 34-year-old will convene with Cricket Australia's medical team to delve deeper into his physical condition. This meeting aims to assist him in making informed decisions regarding his travel plans for the upcoming series in India and the World Cup.
"I don't think I could have predicted how sore I was going to be once I got to South Africa, but it was one of those things. Even when I went to train that day, I still felt fine. There was nothing wrong. Something just got impinged. I think one of the tendons around my ankle was a little bit inflamed, there's a bit of swelling, so it kept on catching, which meant it just gave me a bit of pain," he added.
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