'Behind the mask': Coach lifts lid on Glenn Maxwell's struggles

Australia's coach and fellow players have been rocked by the news that star batsman Glenn Maxwell is taking a break from cricket because of mental health concerns.

Cricket Australia made the announcement on Thursday, with Justin Langer revealing details of a conversation he had with the Victorian before Australia's opening Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka.

The star batsman admitted he wasn't OK and was struggling to enjoy the game.

"There's been a few times over the last 12 months where I've probably suspected that he's been battling a little bit," Langer told reporters in Melbourne.

"The day before the game in Adelaide he didn't seem to have his normal zip and enthusiasm, although he still worked hard.

Maxwell is one of Australia's flashiest and effervescent players, renowned for his bubbly personality and live-wire nature.

The Aussie coach admits that the public's perception of Maxwell, and other players for that matter, is often at odds with the reality of the individual.

"We saw how he played in Adelaide and we saw how he fielded (in Brisbane) but they often put on a mask.

"People in public positions have to put on a mask and that's the mask he puts on, that's his armour - his energy and the way he plays.

"He's the great entertainer, but underneath the mask I could probably just sense he wasn't quite right.

"... I'm pleased that he feels like he's got that trust in the environment to (talk openly) and he's going to do some work now to get himself right."

Chris Lynn - a long-time teammate of Maxwell's in short-form international cricket - has commended Maxwell for speaking up about his struggles.

“As men, we don’t speak up enough about it, so I’m really proud that he’s come out and assessed his situation and realised that cricket’s not for him right now,” Lynn told reporters after a Cricket Australia XI tour match against Pakistan.

“It sends shivers down your spine when you hear something like this and Glenn’s a close mate of mine.

"When one man goes down, the whole team feels it, and I think the whole of Australia feels it.

“He has to realise there’s 25 million people from Australia that are behind him as well, and that’s the main thing. Whatever we can do, whether it’s more or whether it’s less, we’ll be there. I wish him all the best and if he needs me I’ll be there, just like the 25 million people there (in Australia).”

D'Arcy Short, who has been drafted in to replace Maxwell for Friday night's T20 clash at the MCG, said his delight at the call-up was offset by his concern for Maxwell.

"I just wish Maxy all the best in his mental health and recovery," Short told AAP.

"Definitely (want) to try and press my claims for the World Cup coming up next year."

With AAP