Australia women’s all-rounder Sophie Molineux has become the latest cricketer to take a break from the game due to mental health issues. Currently playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League, Sophie has withdrawn from Renegades’ game against Melbourne Stars in order to focus on her mental well being.
She became the fifth Australian cricketer in the recent past to take a break from cricket to deal with her mental health. Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson, Will Pucovski all pulled out from the game recently for mental health reasons, while women’s batter Nicole Bolton too stepped away from cricket last summer for the same.
Renegades WBBL head coach Tim Coyle has supported Sophie and has promised her utmost support. “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.”
The Australian Women’s team doctor Pip Inge stated that Cricket Australia will follow her progress 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.”
Makinley Blows has replaced Molineux in the WBBL squad for tomorrow’s game.