AGENCIES

Australia will take a late call on Glenn Maxwell’s participation in their World Cup game against Bangladesh after the all-rounder batted through severe cramps to script an improbable win over Afghanistan.

Maxwell endured cramps in his calf, shin, hamstring, and toes before experiencing back spasms in Mumbai on Tuesday but made an outrageous double-century to help Australia beat the Asian side and reach the semifinals, where they will face third-placed South Africa.

“He’s definitely been in full recovery mode the last few days. We all saw the effects of the innings and in particular the heat. So I think today’s a big day, see how he pulls up,” Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori told reporters on Friday.

“Obviously, we’ve had a couple of days off so there’s been no training. He’s not here today but we’ll just see how he feels as the day continues. It’s obviously been pretty hectic for him the last few days.”

Vettori said Maxwell would not be put through a fitness test for the Bangladesh game.

“It’ll be how he feels,” Vettori added. “We understand now that the semifinal is pretty definitive in Kolkata on November 16 and it’ll be a build towards that.