Why Aussie cricket star Glenn Maxwell might not feature in the Big Bash until after CHRISTMAS

  • Glenn Maxwell continues to deal with a hamstring injury
  • He is unlikely to feature in T20 Big Bash until Boxing Day
  • Hurt himself in November’s T20 clash against Pakistan

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell may not feature for the Melbourne Stars until after Christmas after failing to recover from his hamstring injury in time for his team’s second match in the Big Bash League on Wednesday evening.

The explosive star missed his team’s BBL opening defeat to the Perth Scorchers on December 15 after hurting himself while playing a T20 for Australia in November. It was hoped Maxwell would be ready for the MCG match with the Brisbane Heat.

But the 36-year-old didn’t do enough to take his place in the XI, and the Stars will play just one more time, against the Strikers in Adelaide on Friday, December 20.

A Boxing Day showdown with the Sydney Sixers at the MCG, which could be a more likely return match.

Maxwell’s recovery is being monitored by Cricket Australia and it understands that caution is needed with Maxwell, who looms as key to Australia’s 2025 Champions Trophy ODI campaign.

It comes after Australian cricket great David Warner recently launched an attack on former teammate Maxwell, stating that the all-rounder ‘doesn’t deserve’ to be in the squad mix ahead of the Sri Lanka tour in late January.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell may not feature for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash until after Christmas after failing to recover from his hamstring injury

The explosive star missed his team's opening defeat to the Perth Scorchers on December 15 after hurting himself while playing a T20 for Australia in November (pictured, with wife Vini)

The explosive star missed his team’s opening defeat to the Perth Scorchers on December 15 after hurting himself while playing a T20 for Australia in November (pictured, with wife Vini)

David Warner recently launched a stunning attack on former teammate Glenn Maxwell, declaring that the all-rounder 'doesn't deserve' to feature in the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in late January

David Warner recently launched a stunning attack on former teammate Glenn Maxwell, declaring that the all-rounder ‘doesn’t deserve’ to feature in the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in late January

Warner pointed to Maxwell's lack of red-ball cricket with Victoria at Sheffield Shield level as the reason why selectors should look elsewhere (Maxwell is pictured playing at Test level against Bangladesh in 2017)

Warner pointed to Maxwell’s lack of red ball cricket with Victoria at Sheffield Shield level as the reason why selectors should look elsewhere (Maxwell is pictured playing at Test level against Bangladesh in 2017)

Pat Cummins’ men will play two Tests on the subcontinent – but Warner pointed to Maxwell’s lack of red-ball cricket with Victoria at Sheffield Shield level as the reason why selectors should look elsewhere.

Maxwell, 36, has played seven Tests for Australia, with a highest score of 104.

‘The Big Show’ was expected to play one recent Shield match for Victoria – as well as for the Prime Minister’s XI against India – but was forced to withdraw from both matches due to his hamstring injury.

His latest setback at T20 level with the Stars will leave Warner feeling vindicated after stating that his Maxwell has not done enough in the longer format to warrant a place on the plane.

“If you don’t get picked for your Shield team, why do you deserve it? You really have to want it, to want to play four-day cricket,” Warner told News Corp.

“Unless he puts his hand up, he’s playing all the club cricket stuff and stuff to want to play Test cricket.

“In my opinion, he doesn’t deserve that opportunity.”