Australia A batsman, Nic Maddinson, on Saturday pulled himself out of the warm-up fixture against Pakistan citing mental health issues. The 27-year old batsman has formerly represented Australia in Test cricket and was in contention for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
Western Australia batsman and recent Test opener Cameron Bancroft replace him in the side for the day-night fixture at Perth. Australia A coach and former England batsman, Graeme Hick, expressed his and his team’s support for Maddinson.
“Nic has made the right decision and we are all behind him,” Hick said. “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.”
Cricket Australia’s Head of National Teams, Ben Oliver also backed Maddinson to come back and offered all the support he needed to return to full health.
“The wellbeing 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.
“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.”
Maddinson is the second Australian to come out with mental health issues this week after Glenn Maxwell pulled out mid-way through the Pakistan T20I series with the same concerns.