Victorian batsman Nic Maddinson withdraws from Australia A side to face Pakistan due to mental health
One of the leading contenders for Australia’s Test batting vacancies Nic Maddinson has withdrawn from the Australia A audition against Pakistan due to mental health.
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Nic Maddinson’s mental health has deteriorated to the point where he has withdrawn himself from the batting shootout ahead of the first Test against Pakistan this month.
Maddinson, 27, has averaged 79.3 runs since crossing to Victoria 18 months ago and was officially back in Test calculations when he was selected for the Australia A tour match, which begins in Perth on Monday.
But Maddinson told team management before he was due to depart Melbourne on Friday that he was not in a great place.
It is the second time Maddinson has taken a break from cricket to improve his mental health, while Victorian and Melbourne Stars teammate Glenn Maxwell pulled out of the T20 series earlier this month.
Cameron Bancroft has replaced Maddinson in the Australia A line-up while D’Arcy Short is likely to replace Bancroft in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match.
The view at Cricket Australia is that it would be irresponsible to push players who are struggling.
Australian coach Justin Langer noted when Maxwell opted for a break that, unlike physical injuries recovery times were impossible to gauge.
“The wellbeing of our players is always our primary concern,” CA’s Ben Oliver said.
“We are proud that our players are comfortable to speak honestly and openly about how they are feeling.
“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.”
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Australia A coach Graeme Hick said Maddinson made the right decision
“It is braver to speak up than to suffer in silence and I applaud Nic for having the courage to put his health first.
“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.”
Originally published as Victorian batsman Nic Maddinson withdraws from Australia A side to face Pakistan due to mental health
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