Glenn Maxwell returns, Marnus Labuschagne dropped as Australia overhaul squad for India series

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Australia has announced several major changes to its squad midway through the ongoing series against India. These changes have been made for the final ODI as well as the T20 series starting on October 29th. A total of nine players are affected by this reshuffle.

The biggest news concerns explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who is returning to the team after recovering from an injury. Maxwell suffered a wrist fracture during net practice before the series against New Zealand, which forced him to retire from cricket.

India and Australia are set to play a five-match T20I series. Glenn Maxwell will initially be unavailable for the squad, having been rested for the first two matches. However, Maxwell has been included in the squad for the third, fourth, and fifth T20Is.

In addition to Maxwell, 20-year-old fast bowler Mahli Beardman has been selected as a surprise package for the third, fourth, and fifth T20Is. Ben Dwarshuis has been included in the squad for the fourth and fifth T20Is, while Josh Philippe will remain part of the Australian team for all five T20Is.

Two key players from the T20 squad will be out midway through the series. Veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will be out of the squad after playing the first two T20Is. All-rounder Shaun Abbott will leave the team after playing the first three T20Is.

Australia has also made changes to the squad for the final ODI against India on October 25th. Star batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the squad for the third ODI. Jack Edwards and Matt Kunhemann have returned to the squad in his place.