Dignity Post
Australia captain Tim Paine says the mental wellbeing of players takes priority over cricket after batsman Will Pucovski became the third of their players to take a break from the game.
Pucovski, 20, asked not to be considered for Test selection against Pakistan to focus on his mental health.
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“We want Will to be a happy young man,” said Paine. “The first priority for us is his mental well-being.”
Glenn Maxwell and Nic Maddinson are also taking a break from cricket.
“Will making the right decision to step away and take care of himself and get himself healthy and in the right state of mind is going to be important because we think he’s someone who’s got a huge Test future,” added Test captain Paine.
“He’s had a lot of pressure put on him from outside sources, and hopefully he’s in a position in the next few years to fulfil the potential that he’s got.”
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Earlier dis month, all-rounder Maxwell, 31, took an indefinite break from cricket because of mental health issues and batsman Maddinson withdraw from the Australia A game against Pakistan.