Wade replaces injured Maxwell in Australia squad for South Africa tour

Maxwell was already scheduled to return to Australia for the birth of his first child after the three-match Twenty20 series, which starts in Durban on Wednesday but aggravated an ankle injury during a training session.

"Following scans, and on medical advice, it was determined to take a conservative approach," the team said in a news release.

"As a result, Maxwell has been ruled out of the three-match T20 series."

Selector Tony Dodemaide said Maxwell's injury would be monitored ahead of the three one-day internationals in India next month - Australia's last fixtures before the 50-overs World Cup in the same country.

Australia will play South Africa in five ODIs after the T20 series.

Wade helped Australia to their T20 World Cup triumph in 2021 several months after playing his most recent tests and ODIs.

"Wadey is a world-class performer and is fit and ready to go," Dodemaide said of the Tasmanian.

Australia will name a provisional squad for the October 5th-November 19th World Cup next week.