England's Michael Yardy walks with his gears during team's training session in Colombo on March 23, 2011. (Reuters Photo)
COLOMBO: England all-rounder Michael Yardy has quit the World Cup suffering from depression just days before the quarterfinal against co-hosts Sri Lanka.
The 30-year-old Sussex left-hander, who played in three matches at the tournament, said he felt he had no option but to return home.
"Leaving at this stage of a World Cup campaign was a very difficult decision to make but I felt that it was the only sensible option for me and I wanted to be honest about the reason behind that decision," he said.
"I would like to wish the squad all the very best ahead of the game on Saturday.
"I would appreciate some privacy over the coming weeks while I spend time with family and close friends ahead of what I hope will be a successful season for Sussex."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they had applied to the International Cricket Council technical committee to request a replacement for Yardy.
However, it was uncertain whether or not tournament rules made provision for mental illness as opposed to physical injury.
"I would like to offer my full support to Michael on behalf of everyone involved with the England team and the ECB," said ECB managing director Hugh Morris.
"Michael has been an integral part of the England set up in recent years and while he will be missed in the knock out stages of the World Cup, our priority now is to ensure that he returns home to his family and is able to spend time recovering with a strong support network around him."
The 30-year-old Sussex left-hander, who played in three matches at the tournament, said he felt he had no option but to return home.
"Leaving at this stage of a World Cup campaign was a very difficult decision to make but I felt that it was the only sensible option for me and I wanted to be honest about the reason behind that decision," he said.
"I would like to wish the squad all the very best ahead of the game on Saturday.
"I would appreciate some privacy over the coming weeks while I spend time with family and close friends ahead of what I hope will be a successful season for Sussex."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they had applied to the International Cricket Council technical committee to request a replacement for Yardy.
However, it was uncertain whether or not tournament rules made provision for mental illness as opposed to physical injury.
"I would like to offer my full support to Michael on behalf of everyone involved with the England team and the ECB," said ECB managing director Hugh Morris.
"Michael has been an integral part of the England set up in recent years and while he will be missed in the knock out stages of the World Cup, our priority now is to ensure that he returns home to his family and is able to spend time recovering with a strong support network around him."
No comments:
Post a Comment