Premier Cricket 2019-20: Glenn Maxwell makes return after mental health break

Australian limited overs star Glenn Maxwell could be seen for Fitzroy Doncaster again in Premier Cricket as he continues his return from a mental health break.

Glenn Maxwell gets through his delivery stride. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Glenn Maxwell made his return to cricket on Saturday from a mental health break to have Fitzroy Doncaster briefly dreaming of an outright victory against Geelong.

Maxwell grabbed two quick wickets at Geelong Cricket Ground to have the home side 2-59 after the Lions declared at 4-253, taking a lead of 50 runs.

The Cats lost 2-0 when star batsman Eamonn Vines was bowled by Nick Fletcher, giving Fitzroy Doncaster a glimpse of maximum points at 3-59.

Eamonn Vines cuts a ball. Picture: Peter Ristevski

But Geelong captain Hayden Butterworth and emerging gun Tom Jackson combined for an unbroken 74-run stand as stumps were called before the drinks break in the final session.

Maxwell made 5 not out and returned 2-42 off 19 overs, including seven maidens.

The Australian limited overs star revealed last month he would be taking an indefinite break from the game to manage his mental health.

“He really enjoyed the day as well just to be back out with the guys and in the changerooms and having a few jokes,” Fitzroy Doncaster captain Ejaaz Alavi said.

“It was great to have him out there. It was unfortunate we couldn’t really give him a good hit but we got him a good bowl.”

Maxwell is yet to be cleared for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield fixture against New South Wales, starting on Friday at the MCG, and could yet line up again for Fitzroy Doncaster this weekend against Frankston Peninsula.

Glenn Maxwell claimed two wickets for Fitzroy Doncaster. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“We’ll find out later in the week,” Alavi said when asked about the star all-rounder’s availability.

Fitzroy Doncaster’s declaration was set up on the back of Jack Rudd’s highest First XI score.

Rudd was unbeaten on 134, which included 13 fours and 2 sixes over 193 deliveries, to give the opener his second century.

Alavi said Rudd punished the anything loose from the Geelong attack and could have reached a double ton if not for the decision to declare.

Alavi scored 31 in a 122-run stand with the right-hander.

“He looked really comfortable and didn’t give a chance at all,” he said.

“He was hitting the ball beautifully, finding the gaps and it was good to watch from the other end.

“It was a sublime knock really and he took ownership of the innings. We’ve been speaking about someone trying to make that big hundred and he batted really well and took the game away from Geelong.”

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English import Gavin Griffiths bowled just one over due to hamstring tightness but Alavi cleared the quick of injury.

“We thought we wouldn’t risk it with the game already won,” he said.

Harrison Goad (hip) could also return for the fixture against Frankston, but Kobe Smith will be unavailable for day two of the game as part of Vic Country’s campaign at the under-19 national championships.