Tim takes break from cricket due to Mental Health

Tim Paine, the former Australia Test skipper stepped down as captain of the Test team due to mental health issues. Paine was supposed to play for Tasmania in the One-Day Cup match before joining the Test squad in Brisbane but withdrew from the match. He advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer,” Cricket Tasmania recently said in a statement that, we recognize that this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them. We respect and understand Tim’s decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family’s well-being,” Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, said. “The National Selection Panel will meet in the coming days to discuss the final squad ahead of the first Ashes Test on December 8.” Some former Australian cricketers have thrown their weight behind Alex Carey and Josh Ingles, and the duo has been named in the Australia a squad that will assemble in Brisbane this weekend. CA selectors will be watching their form closely during Australia’s intra-squad practice games next week. Paine was progressing well following the invasive neck surgery he underwent in September and played his first game in three months representing Tasmania’s Second XI. He had also been named to play a Marsh One-Day Cup game for the Tigers on Friday where he was set to keep wicket and bat at No.3.