Sydney: Batsman Glenn Maxwell has been recalled to the Australian squad as cover for Aaron Finch, who was ruled out of Friday’s fourth One-day International against England in Adelaide with a hamstring injury.
Maxwell, who has played 80 ODIs for his country and can be one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket on his day, was surprisingly left out when the squad was announced earlier this month.
Captain Steve Smith and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns had said at the time he needed to be more consistent at the international level to get back into the team. The 29-year-old last played for the one-day side on the tour of India last September.
Finch will be assessed ahead of the fifth ODI in Perth on Sunday. England have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
England fast bowler Liam Plunkett will miss the last two ODIs due to a hamstring injury, captain Eoin Morgan said on Thursday.
The 32-year-old took four wickets in the first two ODIs but was injured in his second over of the third match.
His unavailability is a blow for the tourists, who have taken an unassailable 3-0 in the series ahead of the fourth ODI in Adelaide on Friday.
“It was really unfortunate, Liam is going to be out for around 10 days,” Morgan said. “He’s going to stay with the squad for his rehabilitation.
“He’s been a huge part of our progression over the past two years. We’re looking at the T20 series for when he will come back so there will definitely be a change for tomorrow.” The final match of the series will be played in Perth on Sunday before England, Australia and New Zealand square off in a tri-nation T20 series that begins on February 3.
England open their T20 campaign against Australia on February 7.
