Glenn Maxwell to take break from cricket over mental health concerns

Glenn Maxwell will take a break from cricket to deal with mental health issues, with D'Arcy Short to replace him in the national Twenty20 squad.

Maxwell met with Cricket Australia staff on Wednesday night, and is expected to miss the rest of the T20 internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

"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," high performance manager Ben Oliver said.

'THIS IS AMAZING': Pat Cummins stuns cricket world with rarest of dismissals

'SUCH A PERFECTIONIST': Steve Smith filthy after dropping diving catch

“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.”

In a statement, Cricket Australia confirmed that Maxwell would take some time away from the game to address the concerns.

Maxwell had impressed in Australia’s T20 victory over Sri Lanka earlier in the week, blasting 62 runs from 28 deliveries, and putting his fielding skills to good use with a handy run-out.

Confusion over ‘shocking’ Aussie cricket farce

It was an unfamiliar sight that Australian cricket fans hope to see plenty more of this summer as Steve Smith and David Warner steered Australia to a lop-sided series victory against Sri Lanka in Brisbane.

Needing just 118, Smith (53 from 36) and Warner (60 from 41) combined in their first partnership for Australia on home soil since the 2017 Boxing Day Test to get the hosts home with 41 balls and nine wickets to spare.

It was a stunning display from the much-maligned pair, but there was hardly anyone there to witness it.

Just 11,986 fans showed up to the Gabba on Wednesday night, with the empty seats a glaring eye sore.

A number of cricket commentators and fans took to social media, questioning the wisdom of playing a midweek match in October, as well as the lack of promotion for the match and series on the whole.

Cricket Australia were forced to commence the summer of cricket earlier than usual this year because of a contractual agreement to play a one-day series in India in the middle of January when they’d normally be playing at home.

WITH AAP