Mental health issues, once considered taboo, have increasingly come to the forefront of discussion in the world of professional sports. Several cricketers across the globe have spoken openly about their struggles with mental breakdowns.
Here are some cricketers who were forced to leave the sport due to mental health issues:
1. Meg Lanning
Australia’s six-time World Cup-winning former women’s cricket team captain, Meg Lanning, recently disclosed that her early retirement at 31 was forced by bouts of depression and weight loss due to ‘over-exercising and under-fuelling’. Lanning’s departure was a blow to the cricketing world, given her remarkable achievements.
2. Marcus Trescothick
Marcus Trescothick, the whirlwind English cricketer, suffered mental health issues at the peak of his career. In 2006, he decided to return home in between the tour of India, revealing that he was dealing with depression.
The attacking opener even returned just two weeks into the tour of Australia in 2006-07. Later, he confessed that he had to bid adieu to cricket due to mental problems.
3. Jonathan Trott
Another solid English batsman, Jonathan Trott, had to battle psychological problems during the peak of his career. Trott, known for his technically flawless batting, had almost cemented his spot in the England team when he was hit with mental turmoil.
Though he was part of the Ashes squad in 2013, he had to end his career abruptly. He tried to play county cricket after his retirement, but he had to quit all forms of cricket soon due to an anxiety disorder.
4. Andrew Flintoff
One of the greatest all-rounders produced by England cricket, Andrew Flintoff, also battled mental health issues which forced him to draw curtains to his international career in 2010.
5. David Bairstow
David Bairstow, who played 25 internationals in the late 90s, also underwent mental stress and issues, which were initiated post-illness of his wife, Janet. The wicket-keeper went on to accumulate several financial issues, along with drinking and driving charges in 1997.
6. Sarah Taylor
Another England cricketer who suffered mental health issues was wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor, who won the 2017 Women’s World Cup at home.
Taylor was renowned for her lightning glovework and had 232 dismissals to her name. However, Taylor shocked the English cricket community after announcing her retirement from the game, citing anxiety-related issues, which took a toll on her batting.
7. Will Pucovski
Promising Australian batsman Will Pucovski is also a victim of mental health issues. He revealed that he was taking a break from cricket towards the end of 2018 due to anxiety issues. He made a comeback to the team in 2019 against Sri Lanka but couldn’t make it to the playing eleven. Later in the year, he withdrew from Test contention for the series against Pakistan, citing mental health issues again.
These cases underscore the importance of mental health awareness and support, not only in cricket but in all professional sports. The openness of these players about their struggles can serve as an inspiration for others facing similar issues.
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