After Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddison and Will Pucovski, women’s all-rounder Sophie Molineux became the latest Australian cricketer to take a break from the game to address mental health issues.
Molineux, who is part of the Melbourne Renegades squad in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League has withdrawn from the team and has been replaced by Makinley Blows.
Renegades WBBL Head Coach Tim Coyle said they will give Molineux as much time as she needs away from the game.
“Sophie knows her teammates and the Renegades coaches and support staff are always there for her,” Coyle said. “We’ll give Sophie the time, space and any support she needs.”
Pip Inge, Australia Women’s Team Doctor, said that Cricket Australia will monitor Molineux closely.
“Sophie has made the decision to take a break from cricket and we are providing her with the support she needs,” Inge said. “The welfare of our players is a priority and we are proud of the brave decision by Sophie to step away from the game.”
Sophie Molineux has announced she will step away from cricket to focus on her mental health.
— Sporting News Australia (@sportingnewsau) November 22, 2019
She's the latest cricketer to show that mental health is becoming a real issue with the heavy workload of professional athletes.
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The 21-year-old broke into the Australian national team last year and has played one Test, three ODIs and 17 T20Is. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder was also recently picked as the marquee player for Trent Rockets in The Hundred.