Shaun Tait to consult other depressed sportsmen

Shaun Tait will consult other sportsmen who have battled depression in a bid to rekindle his desire to play cricket again.

The 24-year-old Australian fast bowler has been battling mental exhaustion for months, culminating in his shock decision announced on Tuesday to quit the game indefinitely.

South Australian Tait said he was emotionally and physically exhausted and needed time away from the game to clear his mind.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association will put Tait in touch with other sportsmen who have suffered depression, possibly including former England batsman Marcus Trescothick and AFL footballer Nathan Thompson.

“There is a few (people) that we have got in the pipeline but I would rather not say who at the moment … we will get him in touch with some good people,” ACA president Darren Lehmann said.

“To be perfectly honest, he’s not in a great place at the moment.

“He has got to get back to enjoying life again.”

Lehmann, a former teammate of Tait, described it as a “sad case”.

He said in hindsight there were signs of Tait’s worsening malaise.

“Looking back … he’s not (been) as happy as he was in the last few months,” Lehmann said.

“He was always struggling a bit on the field.

“The simple fact for him is just getting back to basics and enjoying life.

“I think he just needs to get away for a while and rest the body.

“We have just got to give him some space … our immediate concern is making sure he’s healthy again.”

Lehmann was confident Tait would play again, but cautioned: “However long it takes, it takes”.

That sentiment was endorsed by SA coach Mark Sorell.

“We will be giving him the space that he needs and support so that we can see how long it takes,” Sorell said today.

“The main thing is he has got to get that love and passion back for the game – and how long it takes is how long it takes.”

Tait, who has played three Tests for Australia, the last against India in Perth earlier this month, on Tuesday said he had been struggling with mental and physical exhaustion “for some time”.

“A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover.

“My love and enjoyment of the game is struggling due to these issues.”

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