Glenn Maxwell ruled out of South Africa series with ankle injury

Just ahead of Australia’s all-important tour of South Africa, the former have been dealt a body blow with seasoned all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out of the series after aggravating his left ankle, part of the foot that he fractured last year at a birthday party.

To fill the void that will be left by Maxwell, Australia are flying in experienced wicket-keeper, Matthew Wade. Despite the fact that Glenn Maxwell will be flying back home, Australia are hopeful that the all-rounder will be ready for the World Cup.

The 34-year-old all-rounder was supposed to head home later to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, however, now he will be joining the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and David Warner as they were already rested owing to their respective injuries.

Maxwell still has a metal plate in his left leg after he fractured his fibula in a freak accident last year in one his friend’s birthday party. During a practice session in Durban, Maxwell ended up aggravating his left ankle, an alarm bell that instantly made Australia take a major decision, particularly considering the imminent World Cup.

Selector Tony Dodemaide said, “We will monitor Glenn's recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup.”

Australia’s tour of South Africa features 3 T20Is and 5 ODIs, before the Kangaroos head down to India to face the Men in Blue in an ODI