Glenn Maxwell suffered a major setback as he was axed from Cricket Australia's nationally contracted players for the 2026-27 season.
What happened?
The decision comes as Australia prepares for a busy Test schedule, with 20 Tests in a 12-month period from August.
Cricket Australia have opted for Test specialists in their squad, leaving Maxwell and young opening batter Sam Konstas out of the 21 nationally contracted players.
Why it matters for Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell's omission is a significant blow to his career, given his previous performances for the Australian team.
The 2026-27 season will see Australia play a two-match home series against Bangladesh national cricket team in August.
What comes next?
Australia will then travel to Zimbabwe for three ODIs, followed by three ODIs and three Tests in South Africa during September and October.
The team will return home for a white-ball series against England cricket team, before embarking on a busy Test schedule.
As of the 2026-27 season, Cricket Australia's contracted men's players include Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, and Alex Carey.
The list also features Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, and Nathan Ellis, among others.
Glenn Maxwell will have to work hard to regain his place in the team, with the new contract list reflecting a focus on Test specialists.
The upcoming season will be crucial for Maxwell, as he looks to prove himself and earn a recall to the Australian team.
Cricket Australia chair of men's selectors George Bailey stated that the next 12 months will encompass a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges.
This is reflected in the contract list, which features a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.
The 2026-27 season will conclude with the 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027.