‘Devastated’: Australian all-rounder Hannah Darlington withdraws from Cricket World Cup

Australian all-rounder Hannah Darlington has withdrawn from the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand due to mental health reasons.

Hannah Darlington of Australia. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

Australian all-rounder Hannah Darlington has withdrawn from the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand for mental health and wellbeing reasons.

Cricket Australia announced the 20-year-old’s decision ahead of the third Ashes ODI against England at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.

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Darlington, who captained the Sydney Thunder in the seventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, was named as a reserve player for Australia’s World Cup campaign, which gets underway in Hamilton on March 5.

She will be replaced by Tasmanian all-rounder Heather Graham, who won a WBBL title with the Perth Scorchers this summer.

Cricket writer Yash Lahoti tweeted: “Every player would like to play for their country at the World Cup. It must have been a hard decision but I am sure that Hannah Darlington will play in a lot more in the future.”

The Guardian’s Megan Maurice posted: “Sending so much love to my favourite player. Devastated for her to miss this opportunity, but I have no doubt she will play in many World Cups and taking a break now to look after her mental health will hopefully extend her career to its full potential.”

Every player dreams of representing their country at the highest level in sports, this must have been a very difficult decisions. I wish her all the best #MentalHealthMattershttps://t.co/1D93X8wjQt

— Coopz (@BritneyCooper35) February 7, 2022

Darlington made her international debut earlier this summer, representing Australia in two ODIs and two T20 matches against India. The teenager claimed 2/29 off eight overs during Australia’s nine-wicket victory in Mackay.

Darlington became New South Wales’ youngest captain in history last year, leading her state in a tied WNCL clash against Tasmania.

She has claimed 51 wickets at 18.29 in the WBBL, winning a title with the Sydney Thunder in 2020/21.

The only cricketers with more WBBL wickets with a better average than Darlington are South African international Marizanne Kapp and Sydney Sixers great Sarah Aley.

Victorian spin bowler Sophie Molineux briefly stepped away from the sport to focus on her mental health in November 2019.

Australia will travel to New Zealand later this month, where they will complete a 10-day stint in hotel quarantine ahead of the World Cup.

England are reigning champions, having won the title on home soil in 2017.

Although the World Cup won’t be on free-to-air television, every match will be streamed on Kayo Freebies, meaning cricket fans can watch the action without a paid subscription.

Hannah Darlington of Australia. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Australia’s Cricket World Cup squad

Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne

Australia’s Cricket World Cup fixtures

Mar 5 vs England, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 12pm AEDT

Mar 8 vs Pakistan, Bay Oval, Tauranga, 12pm AEDT

Mar 13 vs New Zealand, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 15 vs West Indies, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 19 vs India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT

Mar 22 vs South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT

Mar 25 vs Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT