Glenn Maxwell takes a break from cricket over mental health issues

Tags: Sri Lanka tour of Australia 2019, Australia vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I at Adelaide, Oct 27, 2019, Glenn James Maxwell, T20I

Published on: Nov 01, 2019

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Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced a break from cricket midway through the T20I series against Sri Lanka over apparent mental health issues

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced a break from cricket midway through the T20I series against Sri Lanka over apparent mental health issues. Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that Maxwell will not be available for the third T20I against Sri Lanka at Melbourne as well as the series against Pakistan to follow.

Maxwell will be replaced by D’Arcy Short for the final T20I against Sri Lanka. The hosts have already won the series 2-0.

“Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health. As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game. Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff,” CA’s Support Team psychologist Dr. Michael Lloyd said while issuing an official statement.

Maxwell smashed a quickfire 62 runs in the first T20I and was not needed with the bat in the second as Australia chased down Sri Lanka's total of 117 with ease.

Australia head coach Justin Langer told the media about the development in Melbourne. “Even though he had those incredible innings in Adelaide and fielded like a genius, I don’t think he got much joy out of it. He’s not having that much fun at the moment, even though he has that smile on his face when he plays.

“He’ll get assessed in Melbourne the next day or so and like all injuries, we’ll work out where he’s at and when he will play again, hopefully, happier and healthier which is more important," Langer revealed.

“When you build relationships with people you sense when they’re not quite right and I asked him the day before the Adelaide game and that’s when he said we probably need that little chat," the coach further added about Maxwell.

The final T20I against Sri Lanka will be played on Friday.

Australia's squad for the final T20I: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa

--Renin Wilben Albert

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