Australian star cricketer Glenn Maxwell has pulled out of the ongoing Sri Lanka T20I series citing mental health issues and the team management has released a statement that he will be taking a short break from the game. He however did not show any signs of his troubled mind scoring an audacious 62 of 28 balls in the first game and as usual contributing in the field in the second with his acrobatic fielding. Maxi as he is called in India following his exploits in the IPL playing for Kings XII Punjab first had mental issues five years back when Phillip Hughes lost his life after being hit by a ball on his neck. He took a break then too and was counselled back into the team by Ricky Ponting.

Australian team manager Ben Oliver stated “The wellbeing of our players and staff is paramount. Glenn has our full support. 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."

All-rounder Darcy Short will be replacing Glen Maxwell in the team for the third T20I against Sri Lanka with the series already in the bag for the home team having won the first two matches comprehensively.