Glenn Maxwell will "spend a short time away" from cricket for mental health reasons, and will miss the upcoming T20Is against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, after confiding in coach Justin Langer before the Sri Lanka series started that he was struggling.

Maxwell played the opening two matches of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, hitting 62 off 28 balls in the first fixture in Adelaide and not getting a chance to have a hit in the second, in Brisbane.

Langer said that Maxwell was "not having that much fun at the moment" and that his upbeat outward persona, which had been on show during the first two matches, including when on mic for the host broadcaster, were a "mask".

"When you build relationships with people you sense when they're not quite right and I asked him the day before the Adelaide game and that's when he said we probably need that little chat" Justin Langer

"Even though he had that incredible innings in Adelaide and fielded like a genius, I don't think he got much joy out of it," Langer said in Melbourne. "He's not having that much fun at the moment, even though he has that smile on his face when he plays.

"He'll get assessed in Melbourne in the next day or so and like all injuries, we'll work out where he's at and when he will play again, hopefully happier and healthier which is more important.

"That's the mask he puts on, it's his armour, his energy and the way he plays. He's the great entertainer but underneath the mask - you probably just sense it. When you build relationships with people you sense when they're not quite right and I asked him the day before the Adelaide game and that's when he said we probably need that little chat."

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After further discussions in recent days, it was announced on Thursday - the eve of the third match against Sri Lanka - that Maxwell would be leaving the squad with the full support of Cricket Australia, who have praised his proactiveness in making them aware of the situation.

Team psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd said, "Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health. As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game. Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff."

Ben Oliver, the executive general manager of the national teams, said: "The well-being 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 well-being 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."

D'Arcy Short has been chosen as a replacement player and will join the squad on Friday ahead of the final match against Sri Lanka at the MCG. Australia then face Pakistan in three T20Is starting on Sunday in Sydney.