Glenn Maxwell on tackling mental health issues: "I’ve got no demons in my head"

The Australia allrounder continues to star in the Big Bash for Melbourne Stars but is not seeking an ODI recall

• Big Bash League hub
• Maxwell takes break from cricket

Glenn Maxwell believes he is dealing well with the mental health issues which forced him to take a break from the sport during the twilight of 2019.

The 31-year-old took nearly two months out of the sport to tackle personal problems.

He returned in time for the start of the Big Bash League and has recaptured his very best form in the T20 format.

In eight innings for Melbourne Stars he has scored 311 runs - only teammate Marcus Stoinis has scored more - at 77.75, the second-best average in the competition.

Maxwell was once again in the runs on Friday with his third half-century of the season as Stars won the Melbourne derby over Renegades by seven wickets.

"I’m so thankful that Cricket Australia and all the powers that be were able to grant me that break and get myself right,” Maxwell told Cricket Australia website.

“I think I’m starting to see the benefits now, I’ve got no demons in my head.

“I’ve been able to get everything off my chest and been able to deal with things better.

“I’m still talking to people about managing different parts of my life and making sure I’ve still got that balance.”

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Despite his fine T20 form, Maxwell will have a watching brief when Australia travel to India for the three-match one-day international series, which starts next week.

Captain Aaron Finch insists Maxwell remains in contention for the 50-over team, though his absence comes as a boost for the Stars who will now have their captain available for the whole of the Big Bash.

The Victorian is unconcerned by his omission from the group and believes his form in the 20-over game is not overly significant.

"This is T20 cricket. They're playing one-day cricket," he added. "I've got five men out (of the 30-yard circle) for 14 overs to try and work gaps.

"There are so many more opportunities to get off strike and I feel like I can get into my innings quite easily because there are so many gaps straight out of the Power Play ... I feel like I'm easing into my innings and then once I'm into my innings, then I go.

"One-day cricket is completely different. They will probably write that my World Cup wasn't good enough. I'll just keep trying to keep doing as well as I can for the Stars."

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