Glenn Maxwell Takes Indefinite Break To Deal With Mental Issues
Oct 31, 2019 at 11:21 AM
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has taken an indefinite break from the game to deal with mental issues, Cricket Australia announced on Thursday. He will spend a short time away from the game to recover from the difficulties. Maxwell was star performer for Australia in the first T20I against Sri Lanka as he piled up 62* off just 28 deliveries. He didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl in the second T20I.
Going into T20 World Cup next year, Australia will be cautious in handling Maxwell and would want his services at all cost. Recently, England women’s player Sarah Taylor announced her retirement from the game following her battle with mental issues. She was fully backed by England Cricket Board during her time away from the game but in the end, she found that it was the right time for her to retire.
Australia has roped in D’Arcy Short for Maxwell. The 29-year-old, who has played four ODIs and 20 T20Is, recently shone in the Vitality T20 Blast. Playing for Durham, he scored 483 runs and scalped 13 wickets in 12 matches.
While Australia will miss the services of Maxwell, they will be further bolstered by the comeback of Mitchell Starc, who missed the second T20I due to his brother’s marriage. In his absence, Billy Stanlake made most out of the opportunity and scalped two wickets for 23 runs in four overs.
Starc is likely to walk into the playing XI for Kane Richardson, who has gone wicketless in the two T20Is. But should the home side contemplate resting Pat Cummins, Richardsons will get another chance.
Australia have gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and will eye a whitewash with a win in the third T20I at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Following the Sri Lanka series, the Aaron Finch-led side hosts Pakistan in the first T20I on Sunday in Sydney.