Bushrangers drop Glenn Maxwell for missing recovery session

Melbourne: The Bushrangers have dropped a bombshell on the eve of their crucial Matador One-Day Cup clash with Tasmania with all rounder Glenn Maxwell handed a one-match team suspension.

Victoria need to defeat the Tigers at North Sydney Oval Tuesday to guarantee their place in Friday's elimination final at Drummoyne Oval, but coach David Saker has come down hard on the superstar all-rounder after he missed a team recovery session early on Monday.

It's a huge blow for the Bushrangers as they look to cement a finals berth, and comes just a day after an impressive victory over the previously undefeated New South Wales Blues.

"We're disappointed that Glenn let down his teammates and missed a recovery session this morning," Saker was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. on Monday.

"We have high expectations of all our players and as a senior player, Glenn should be taking a leadership role. As a result he will not be playing in tomorrow's match against Tasmania."

In a statement released later, Maxwell said he was disappointed to miss out on Tuesday's match after thinking he had a free morning before joining the members of the national team for a day of media commitments. 

"I understand that I broke team rules by missing recovery and I have accepted the consequences," Maxwell said.

"It was an oversight on my behalf where I thought I had a free morning before some Australia team commitments. I'm extremely disappointed to be missing a game, but I will continue to do everything possible to help the Bushrangers win the Matador Cup," he said.