Maxwell withdraws from Aussie team

Star batsman Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn from Australia's T20 International squad and will take a “short” break from cricket to deal with mental health issues.

Maxwell recently spoke to Australia's support staff about his mental health and has been given the full backing of Cricket Australia and his state, Victoria, to take time away from the game.

CA announced Maxwell's decision on Thursday afternoon, with D'Arcy Short – who was in action in WA's Marsh One Day Cup game against Queensland on the Gold Coast – to join the Australia squad in Melbourne on Friday ahead of the third Gillette T20 International against Sri Lanka.

There is no indication yet regarding when Maxwell will be able to return to the game.

“It took great courage for him to tell us he wasn’t OK,” coach Justin Langer said in Melbourne. “In one way, it’s really good for him to do that.

“Behind the mask of the great entertainer and the great talent and the great team man and everything we see publicly, a lot of these guys are human and they’re hurting a bit.

“Hopefully he’s going to be fine.”

CA's Bupa Support Team psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd said Maxwell had been “proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff”.

Langer cited the recent cases of Will Pucovski and Moises Henriques as examples of the game offering its players the support they need when it comes to mental health.

And while Maxwell has withdrawn from the Australian squad, Langer said the national team’s support staff will “keep in touch with him constantly”.

“Like all injuries, we’ll work out where he’s at with it and work out when he’s going to return to play hopefully healthier and happier … than he is at the moment,” he said.

“You check in all the time. It’s very topical now, you’ve got to look after each other.

“It’s not just about win-loss and we’ve come to recognise that.

“I’m certain the support network is there. We haven’t seen too many cases of it, but there’s a lot of cases behind closed doors.

“We’ve got to show people respect and care for them. It’s not just what you see on TV. It’s what behind the mask that counts.”

Maxwell's step back from the spotlight comes after he made an impressive start to the international summer, clubbing a 28-ball knock of 62 in the opening T20 against Sri Lanka. 

The 31-year-old will meet with specialists in Melbourne on Friday.

"The well-being of our players and staff is paramount,” said CA's Executive General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver. “Glenn has our full support.

"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."

If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/