Nic Maddinson has withdrawn from the Australia A side that will take on Pakistan in a warm-up match in Perth, citing mental health reasons.
Maddinson becomes the second player to withdraw from an Australian squad in the last couple of weeks over mental health concerns, after Glenn Maxwell opted to sit out of the T20Is against Sri Lanka midway through the series.
Cameron Bancroft is set to replace Maddinson in the Australia A side ahead of their three-day day-night clash against Pakistan in Perth, beginning November 11.
“There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, depression and anxiety. I don’t think I’d be sitting here talking to you if I didn’t take a break. I potentially would have retired, to be honest." 👇https://t.co/0nJqfKQtSu
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 21, 2019
“Nic has made the right decision and we are all behind him,” said Graeme Hick, the Australia A coach. “It is braver to speak up than to suffer in silence and I applaud Nic for having the courage to put his health first.
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“While saddened to see Nic stand down, we welcome Cam Bancroft to the Australia A XI. Cam is obviously no stranger to quality international bowling and the Perth Stadium wicket. We have no doubt he will fit well into the team.”
Ben Oliver, CA’s executive general manager of national teams, said Maddinson would be afforded all the support he needs to return to his best. “The well-being of our players is always our primary concern,” Oliver said. “We are proud that our players are comfortable to speak honestly and openly about how they are feeling.
“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 just sense it."
Justin Langer on Glenn Maxwell's mental health struggles 👇https://t.co/CqzcrEH1S4
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 31, 2019
“We will provide Nic with all the support and care we can and wish him a full and speedy recovery. We also ask that Nic’s privacy be respected at this time.”
This is second time Nic Maddinson is stepping away from the game on mental health grounds, having done so in 2017, shortly after his Test selection and subsequent dropping after three matches.
Mental health is becoming increasingly recognised in the sport, and Australians have been forthcoming about their difficulties. Moises Henriques publicised his troubles with mental health in 2018, while all of Nicole Bolton, the Australia Women player, Maxwell and now Maddinson have opted to take breaks while they regain full health.
