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Glenn Maxwell: Australia's Secret Weapon as Reserve Wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup?

Australian chief selector George Bailey has identified all-rounder Glenn Maxwell as a potential reserve wicketkeeper for the upcoming T20 World Cup, praising his natural ability from his younger days. This consideration addresses squad balance for short-term injuries, allowing the team to load up on spin-bowling all-rounders. Australia has named only one specialist keeper, Josh Inglis, in their 15-man squad led by Mitchell Marsh. The team will begin their campaign in Group B against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.

Key Points: Maxwell as Reserve Keeper for T20 WC, Says Selector Bailey

  • Maxwell's hidden keeping skills
  • Squad balance for injuries
  • Spin-heavy Australian selection
  • Group B tournament schedule
2 min read

"He's a natural": George Bailey speaks on Maxwell as potential reserve wicketkeeper for T20 CWC

Australia's chief selector George Bailey says Glenn Maxwell is a "natural" wicketkeeper and could serve as the emergency backup for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"I've seen him Glenn Maxwell do it. He's a natural; he did it when he was younger. - George Bailey"

New Delhi, January 3

Australian chief selector, George Bailey, suggested that all-rounder Glenn Maxwell could potentially don the gloves as a reserve wicketkeeper during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 for Australia, held in India and Sri Lanka.

Australia have named Josh Inglis as the sole wicketkeeper in their World Cup squad, with them loading up the side with spin-bowling options and all-rounders.

Bailey termed Maxwell as a "natural' wicketkeeper and said he has seen him as a keeper as a youngster.

"I've seen him [Glenn Maxwell] do it. He's a natural; he did it [Wicket keeping] when he was younger," Bailey said as per the cricket.au website.

"It's the balance of those sort of day-to-day injuries where a player might just be missing for one (game) versus a more serious injury, and then how long that is, and can you carry someone?" he added.

Australia have opted for a spin-heavy provisional squad for the T20 World Cup. Veteran all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will lead the 15-member team in the showpiece tournament.

Australia have been placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. The Aussies will play their opening ICC T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Ireland in Colombo on February 11. Their second group B match will be against Zimbabwe on February 13.

Their third fixture will be against Sri Lanka, the hosts, on February 16. Australia's final group stage match is against Oman on February 20.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I love seeing teams get creative with their squads. Maxwell is pure entertainment. If he can keep wickets even decently, it frees up a spot for another bowler. Australia always thinks strategically for World Cups.
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Ananya R
With the tournament being in India and Sri Lanka, spin is king. Maybe they feel Inglis is enough as the main keeper and they need Maxwell's batting and part-time spin more than a backup keeper's gloves. Smart thinking, but dropping a catch in a crucial match could cost them dearly.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I have to disagree with this strategy. T20 World Cup is not the place to experiment with a part-time wicketkeeper, especially in subcontinent conditions where the ball can do a lot. They should have picked a proper backup. It feels like an unnecessary risk.
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Karthik V
Maxwell is a "natural" at everything he does on the field! 😄 But seriously, his energy is infectious. If he's keeping, it just means he'll be even more involved in the game. Can't wait to watch the tournament here in India. The Aussies are always a tough team to beat at home.
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Michael C
The squad balance looks heavily tilted towards all-rounders. It's a modern T20 approach. If Inglis gets injured for a game or two, having Maxwell step in is a decent stop-gap. The real strength is that spin-heavy attack for these pitches.

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