Glenn Maxwell set for Sheffield Shield return as Test hopes revive

Glenn Maxwell is set to make his return to Sheffield Shield cricket this summer, as the allrounder eyes a potential spot in Australia’s Test squad for the 2025 tour of Sri Lanka. Victoria captain Will Sutherland confirmed that Maxwell, currently with Australia’s ODI team in England, is expected to play a few Shield games early in the season, with the first match starting on October 8 against Tasmania.

Maxwell, who turns 36 in October, hasn’t played a Shield match since February 2023 and has only featured in two first-class games over the past five years due to his white-ball commitments and a leg injury. His last Test match was in 2017, but Maxwell’s spin-bowling abilities could make him a valuable asset on spin-friendly subcontinent pitches, like those in Sri Lanka, where Australia will play two crucial Tests in January 2025.

While Maxwell is unlikely to be a part of Australia’s Test squad for the home series against India later this year, his performances in red-ball cricket could reignite hopes of returning to the Test arena. Despite limited first-class experience recently, Victoria is eager to have him back in the lineup to help him regain his rhythm.

Sutherland also provided updates on Australia pacer Scott Boland, who is building back up after a knee issue and could return for Victoria’s second Shield game against New South Wales at the MCG.