Australian cricket all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been hospitalized briefly following an alcohol-related mishap in Adelaide, a development that has prompted Cricket Australia (CA) to open an inquiry into the incident. Last week saw Maxwell relinquishing his position as the captain of the Melbourne Stars, with this incident occurring shortly after his team’s exit during the group stages of the 13th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).
The Daily Telegraph has reported that Glenn Maxwell required medical attention while he was present at a performance by the band ‘Six and Out’, which includes former cricketer Brett Lee among its members. The incident happened subsequent to his appearance at a celebrity golf event in Adelaide, which he attended after fulfilling his BBL commitments.
In a formal communique, Cricket Australia acknowledged the incident and stated that it is in the process of gathering further information. The statement from CA went on to say, “It is not related to him being replaced in the ODI squad, a decision that was made following the BBL and based on his individual management plan.” Officials have indicated that Maxwell is slated to return for the upcoming T20 series. Cricket Australia also encouraged the public to refrain from speculative conclusions pending full clarification of the situation, adding, “No further comment will be made at this time.”
In addition to Maxwell’s hospitalization and the subsequent CA investigation, there have been adjustments to Australia’s ODI squad for the impending series against the West Indies. Maxwell was given a rest, while fast bowler Jhye Richardson was sidelined due to an injury he suffered during the BBL. The reshuffling of the squad has paved the way for Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett to receive their first call-ups for Australia’s ODI series. Australian batsman Steve Smith is slated to captain the team.
Underpinning the sporadic events in the landscape of international cricket are other related stories featuring prominent cricketers. For instance, Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the initial two Tests in the series against England. In another turn of events, England’s team has arrived in India missing a key player due to visa complications — a matter that has seen some escalation. There is also much speculation about which three players are prime candidates to fill the position vacated by Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England.
Looking forward, the three-match ODI series featuring Australia and West Indies is set to commence in Melbourne on Friday, February 2. Australia’s squad brings together a mix of experience and new talent, with the following players: Steven Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Lance Morris, Matt Short, and Adam Zampa.
The incident with Maxwell has certainly cast a shadow over the Australian cricket community; however, the true repercussions remain to be seen as Cricket Australia’s investigation unfolds. The focus within the competitive sphere is now trained on Australia’s domestic setups and international engagements, where the dynamics of the game continue to be as unpredictable and eventful as ever.
