Australia’s chief selector George Bailey has indicated that Glenn Maxwell could be considered as a reserve wicketkeeping option during the T20 World Cup 2026, should the need arise. With Josh Inglis named as the only specialist wicketkeeper in the squad, Australia have opted to strengthen their lineup with multiple spin-bowling options and all-rounders.
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Cricket Australia has structured the squad to provide captain Mitchell Marsh with maximum bowling flexibility, particularly with conditions in mind. Australia will play their first four matches of the tournament in Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly surfaces are expected. If they top Group B and progress to the Super Eight stage, the team will then move to India, with matches scheduled in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.
Bailey explained that Maxwell wearing the gloves is among the contingency plans if Inglis were to suffer a minor injury during the tournament. He described the all-rounder as a natural wicketkeeper, citing Maxwell’s past experience behind the stumps. Bailey also highlighted the challenges teams face when selecting a squad with limited specialist backups, especially in short tournaments.
“I’ve seen him do it,” Bailey said. “He’s a natural; he did it when he was younger. We’ve been in World Cups where you’re one player short in certain positions. It always feels like you have to give something up. It’s about balancing short-term absences against more serious injuries and deciding whether you can carry an extra player.”
While Maxwell has never kept wickets in international cricket, he has performed the role at junior level and featured as a wicketkeeper in a one-off appearance for Australia during the Hong Kong Super Sixes in 2009. In the event of a long-term injury to Inglis, Australia are expected to turn to Alex Carey or Josh Philippe as replacement wicketkeepers.
Australia will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 11.
