AUS vs SL | Glenn Maxwell pulls out of the Australian team after battle with mental illness

AUS vs SL | Glenn Maxwell pulls out of the Australian team after battle with mental illness

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Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn himself from the Australian squad in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka. Maxwell has decided to take an indefinite break from cricket in order to deal with some mental health issues and has got the full backing of the Australian team.

Glenn Maxwell has suddenly announced that he will be taking a 'short' break from cricket and has withdrawn himself from the squad ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka. He has informed Cricket Australia (CA) and also his state Victoria's cricket board that he has been lately struggling with a mental health issue and thus he needs some time off cricket to sort that out first. He has been fully backed by the boards to take his time and come back strong and mentally fit. Cricket Australia has named D'Arcy Short as the replacement for Maxwell ahead of the third T20I.

"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 Bupa Support Team psychologist Dr. Michael Lloyd told cricket.com.au.

"Cricket Australia will work collaboratively with Cricket Victoria's support staff to ensure Glenn's well-being and his reintegration into the game. 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," CA's Executive General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver said.

Maxwell had hit an excellent 27-ball 62 in the first T20I against the Lankans at Adelaide. He is an integral part of the team and the team management will be hoping that Maxwell returns as soon as possible because he is the kind of impact player that has an 'X factor' in him that will help Australia win matches, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching next year in their home conditions.

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