IT20 Series: In order to concentrate on her mental health and welfare, Nat Sciver withdrew from the England Women’s Vitality IT20 Series and the Royal London Series against India.
Before the second Vitality IT20 at Derby, Amy Jones will assume captaincy in Sciver’s place and a replacement player will be named to the squad.
Sciver said: “I’ve played a lot of cricket over the last nine months and I am very emotionally fatigued.
“Elite sport demands a lot and for the moment I’m not able to perform without compromising my own wellbeing, so I need to take some time away from cricket in order to focus on myself.
“It’s the right decision for me and it’s the right decision for the team.”
Director of England Women’s Cricket Jonathan Finch said: “We fully support Nat and her decision to step away from this series. Cricket is important, but it is wholly insignificant in the context of an individual’s health and happiness.
“The welfare of our players and staff is always our number one priority and we will support Nat throughout this period.”
Ben Stokes discusses his battle with anxiety and panic attacks as well as mental wellness
The announcement comes after England Test captain Ben Stokes continued the conversation on mental health by admitting he still took anxiety medication after taking a six-month hiatus to take care of himself.
Following the passing of his father to brain cancer nearly two years ago, Stokes took a year off from the sport to concentrate on his mental health. At the time, Stokes was experiencing a string of panic episodes.
The 31-year-old declared his retirement from one-day cricket in July, citing the “unsustainable” strain of competing in all three game types.
“I never thought I would be on medication to help me for that kind of stuff. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to say it because I needed the help at the time,” Stokes said in an Amazon documentary.
“But it’s not done just because I’m back playing. I still speak to the doc, but not as regularly, and I’m still taking medication every day. It’s an ongoing process.”
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