Cricket: Maxwell returns to BBL from mental health break

Glenn Maxwell will return from a six-week mental health break when he captains Melbourne Stars on December 20.

Glenn Maxwell in action for Fitzroy-Doncaster. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Glenn Maxwell will return from a six-week mental health break when he captains Melbourne Stars in their Big Bash League season-opener on December 20.

The Australian understands Maxwell, 31, made himself available for selection for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia last Saturday, but he did not make the final team.

It is understood selectors erred on the side of caution by giving Maxwell one more week out of the spotlight, although that first-class match was ultimately abandoned due to a dangerous MCG pitch.

While Maxwell put his hand up for Victoria, a report from his mental health specialist suggested he was close — but not quite at — 100 per cent. Given the slight conjecture over Maxwell’s wellbeing, and the fact that he should be available for Victoria’s final four Shield matches when the season resumes in February, selectors saw no harm in leaving Maxwell out.

Glenn Maxwell scored a 50 in club cricket. Picture: Andy Brownbill

His return is a huge boost to both the Stars and the BBL overall given Maxwell’s enormous pulling power and box-office style.

Maxwell has been in and out of Cricket Victoria’s Junction Oval base recently and has been ticked off to retain the Stars’ captaincy after he led the franchise to last summer’s BBL final.

While Maxwell went unselected by Victoria, he has played Premier Cricket for Fitzroy-Doncaster. The brilliant allrounder made 51 (56 balls) and took 3-42 (29 overs) against Frankston Peninsula in a two-day match completed on Saturday.

Maxwell rocked the cricketing world when he pulled out of Australia’s Twenty20 squad just days after he demolished Sri Lanka with 62 off just 28 balls. The Victorian’s mental health was up and down in November and the much-needed break followed a ridiculous workload where Maxwell spent close to eight consecutive months overseas.

herald Sun