Glenn Maxwell Takes Indefinite Break From Cricket Due to Mental Health Issues

Glenn Maxwell will take an indefinite break from cricket for mental health reasons, Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday. The hard-hitting middle-order batsman will, therefore, miss the rest of the T20I against Sri Lanka as well as the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. The 31-year-old was part of the Australian squad for the opening two Twenty20 Internationals and even smashed a 28-ball 62 in the first game of the three-match T20I series, in which Australian have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead. D’Arcy Short has been named as his replacement for the remaining T20I game against Sri Lanka as well as the three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell Feels Australia Is Heading in Right Direction To Win T20I World Cup 2020.

"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," team psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd was quoted as by ESPN Cricinfo. "He was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff," Lloyd added.

Glenn Maxwell To Take Break From Cricket

The 31-year-old represented Australia in 61 Twenty20 internationals and scored 1576 runs with the help of three centuries and seven fifties. He also played 100 ODIs for Australia since making his debut in 2012. He averaged 32.3 in ODIs and had not scored a single half-century in his last 10 innings before the indefinite break. Maxwell also represented Australia in seven Test matches and has not played in the longest format for Australian since September 2017.

"The well-being of our players and staff is paramount. Glenn has our full support," said Ben Oliver, executive general manager of the national team. "Cricket Australia will work collaboratively with Cricket Victoria's support staff to ensure Glenn's well-being and his reintegration into the game.

"We ask that everyone gives Glenn and his family and friends space; and respects their privacy at this time. He's a special player and an important part of the Australian cricket family. We hope to see him back in the team during the summer. It's important we look after Glenn and all our players."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 31, 2019 11:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).