Glenn Maxwell is set to miss months of cricket after breaking his leg in a “freak accident”, Cricket Australia said on Sunday.
The all-rounder underwent surgery in Melbourne on Saturday to repair a fractured left fibula.
A statement did not confirm how the injury was suffered, but The Age reports that it was due to an accident at a friend’s 50th birthday.
According to the publication, Maxwell was running around a tennis court with his friend when the pair tripped and fell, and the cricketer’s leg became trapped.
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Maxwell is set to be out of action for up to three months.
It rules him out of this week’s ODI series against England — he’s been replaced by Sean Abbott — and, most likely, the Big Bash League.
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The injury could also put a massive dent in Maxwell’s hopes to return to Australia’s Test team for February’s tour of India.
“Glenn is in good spirits. It was an unfortunate accident and we feel for Glenn in the circumstances given he was in great touch in his last few games,” national selection chair George Bailey said.
“Glenn is a critical part of our white-ball structure and we will continue to support him through his recovery and rehabilitation.”
Maxwell’s injury is the latest in a growing line of freak accidents to strike down star players.
England’s Jonny Bairstow missed the T20 World Cup after breaking his leg while playing golf, while Australia’s Josh Inglis also had a golf mishap when his club shaft snapped and injured his hand.
