Maxwell out of NZ T20 with forearm fracture, Philippe called up

Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of Australia’s three-match Twenty20 series in New Zealand after fracturing his forearm in a training incident at Mount Maunganui, the team confirmed on Tuesday. The 36-year-old was struck on the wrist while bowling in the nets and has returned to Australia to undergo specialist review, prompting the late call-up of wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe as his replacement.

Players said the ball came back off a powerful straight drive from teammate Mitchell Owen and hit Maxwell while he was fielding off his own bowling. Matt Short, who was batting in an adjacent net, described hearing the impact and said the incident sounded serious. Medical imaging showed a fractured forearm, and team medical staff ruled Maxwell out of the three-match series that begins on Wednesday at Bay Oval.

Philippe, a prolific run-scorer in Australia’s Big Bash League and the player of the series on Australia A’s recent tour of India, joins a squad that includes captain Mitch Marsh, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis. Philippe’s selection marks a late opportunity for the 26-year-old to press his case for higher international honours.

Maxwell’s removal from the touring party raises...