Mental health issues: Glenn Maxwell takes a break

Days after scoring 62 from 28 balls against Sri Lanka, Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn from the Australian team citing mental health concerns.

Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell will take time off due to mental health issues. Picture: AFP

The effervescent Glenn Maxwell fielded, commentated and batted in Adelaide on Sunday like a man on top of the world and in control of his game. Behind the public bravado was a private torment.

Australian coach Justin Langer had seen it the day before, but it wasn’t until after Wednesday’s match in Brisbane that it became too much and he decided to withdraw from Australian duties.

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Maxwell, it was announced on Thursday, will take a break from the game to deal with mental health issues.

Maxwell hit 62 off 28 balls against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Picture Sarah Reed

“Even though he had that incredible innings in Adelaide and fielded like a genius, I don’t think he got much joy out of it,” Langer said on Thursday.

“He’s not having that much fun at the moment, even though he has that smile on his face when he plays.

“He’ll get assessed in Melbourne in the next day or so and like all injuries we’ll work out where he’s at and when he will play again, hopefully happier and healthier which is more important.

“That’s the mask he puts on, it’s his armour, his energy and the way he plays. He’s the great entertainer but underneath the mask — you probably just sense it. When you build relationships with people you sense when they’re not quite right and I asked him the day before the Adelaide game and that’s when he said we probably need that little chat.”

The brilliant allrounder made 62 from 28 balls at Adelaide Oval and even commented from the field as he pulled off a freakish run out.

Maxwell struggled after the death of Phil Hughes. Picture: AAP

He played again on Wednesday in Brisbane but was in trouble after the game and consulted medical staff.

A bright and entertaining personality, he wore a microphone in the field in both matches and appeared in fine spirits.

“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,” team psychologist Michael Lloyd said.

“Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff.”

Maxwell had trouble five years ago after the death of Phillip Hughes, and hit a new low when he was bowled leaving the first ball he faced in the BBL for the Melbourne Stars a month later.

“I was pretty depressed,” he said later. “I was flat, I was low, I started to really hate the game. Mentally I was in a lot of trouble.”

Ricky Ponting counselled Maxwell at the time and encouraged him back to the game.

The 31-year-old is a brilliant but sometimes erratic cricketer and his Australian career has reflected that. An innovator with the bat, he is expected to be a key part of Australia’s quest to win their first T20 World Cup at home next year. He was a critical element of the 2015 ODI World Cup winning team, scoring 324 runs at an average of 64.8 and a strike rate of 182.

He has played 61 T20s, 110 ODIs and seven Tests for Australia, winning much praise for his precocious talent but also drawing criticism from selectors, coaches and even captains for his occasionally erratic performances.

Maxwell became the second Australian behind Shane Watson to score a century in all three formats when he hit 104 in a Test against India at Ranchi in 2017.

Several high-profile Australian and international cricketers have gone public with their mental health battles in recent years, including Moises Henriques, Nic Maddinson, Sean Abbott, Will Pucovski and Marcus Trescothick. England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor recently retired to deal with her anxiety issues.

Cricket Australia teams manager Ben Oliver requested privacy and respect for Maxwell.

“The wellbeing of our players and staff is paramount,” Oliver said. “Cricket Australia will work collaboratively with Cricket Victoria’s support staff to ensure Glenn’s wellbeing 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.”

D’Arcy Short has been chosen as a replacement player and will join the squad ahead of Friday’s match against Sri Lanka at the MCG.

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