Nic Maddinson Withdraws From Australia A Squad Due To Mental Health Problems

Opening batsman Nic Maddinson withdrew himself from Australia A squad on Saturday on the grounds of mental health. Hence, the batsman would not be featuring in the upcoming tour match against Pakistan. Batsman Cameron Bancroft will replace the Maddinson in Australia A's XI for the three-day day/night match against Pakistan. “The wellbeing of our players is always our primary concern. 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,” Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's (CA) EGM of National Teams said in an official statement. Earlier in the month of October, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell also decided to take a break from cricket to look after his mental health. He was replaced by D'Arcy Short in the Australia squad for the series against Sri Lanka. “Mental health is a challenge faced by Australian communities and elite sporting organizations and cricket is no different. Like other professional sports we are working very hard to better understand the challenges faced by our players and staff so we can support them,” Alex Kountouris, CA's Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager said. Australia A XI for the three-day match against Pakistan: Alex Carey (c), Marcus Harris, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja (vc), Will Pucovski, Travis Head (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott, Riley Meredith. Australia is slated to play two Tests against Pakistan beginning at Brisbane on November 21 and it will be followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide on November 29.