Glenn Maxwell could miss THREE months of cricket after breaking his leg in 'freak injury' at friend's 50th birthday party in huge blow to Australia's white ball plans

Courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket

Australia's preparation for their ODI series against England were dealt a major blow, with Glenn Maxwell ruled out for three months after breaking his leg in a 'freak injury'.

According to The Age, the 34-year-old broke his leg while attending a friend's 50th birthday party on Saturday night and required surgery on Sunday afternoon.

Maxwell and person celebrating the birthday reportedly tripped and fell while running in a backyard area with artificial turf.

The Aussie star's leg got trapped under the other person as the two fell, causing a fracture to his left fibula.

The injury means Maxwell will be sidelined for a period of between eight and 12 weeks, ruling him out of Australia's upcoming ODI series against England.

The 34-year-old served as reserve player during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in the winter and was expected to play two Sheffield Shied games for Victoria as he looked to return to play the longest format of the game for the first time in three years.

'Glenn is in good spirits,' Australia chief selector George Bailey said in a statement.

'It was an unfortunate accident and we feel for Glenn in the circumstances given he was in great touch in his last few games.'

'Glenn is a critical part of our white-ball structure and we will continue to support him through his recovery and rehabilitation.'

Sean Abbott has been drafted into the ODI squad to replace Maxwell, while Adam Zampa is the favourite to take over the captaincy of the Melbourne Stars in the BBL. 

Maxwell was Australia's second-highest run scorer at the T20 World Cup with 118 runs behind only Marcus Stoinis' 126.