Australia head coach George Bailey has hinted that they may consider Glenn Maxwell to act as an off-spinner during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Australia named Josh Inglis as the only wicket-keeper in their squad which is loaded with spin-bowling options and all-rounders.
Cricket Australia has decided to give a captain Mitchell Marsh with enough bowling options as the Aussies they will play in Sri Lanka and India and their first four matches will be played in the island nation. If Australia finish top of Group B and reach the Super Eight stage, they will shift their base to India and play in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.
Inglis was the back-up wicket-keeper during the 2022 T20 World Cup at home, but was eventually replaced by Cameron Green, leaving Maxwell as a back-up option at the time. After returning from a positive Covid test, Wade put in extra hours behind the stumps during training ahead of the England match, which was eventually abandoned.
Bailey said Maxwell donning the gloves was an option if needed during the tournament should Inglis suffer a minor injury. The former Australian captain said the all-rounder is a natural as a wicketkeeper.
“I saw him do it,” Bailey said.
“He’s a natural, he did it when he was younger.
“We’ve been to World Cups with one player (short) in positions. It always seems like you have to give something up.”
“It’s a balance between those kinds of day-to-day injuries where a player might be out for just one (game) versus a more serious injury, and how long is that and can you carry somebody?”
Maxwell has not donned the gloves during his international career but filled the role at junior level and one-off for the Australian side during the Hong Kong Super Sixes in 2009. If Australia are to look to replace Inglis if there is a long-term injury, it will be Alex Carey and Josh Philippe.
Australia begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11.
– The end
Published on:
January 3, 2026
