By IANS
Melbourne : Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, suffering from “physical and emotional exhaustion”, is being rested from all forms of the game to undergo a special programme aimed at his rehabilitation.
The 24-year-old right-arm bowler, who missed most of the recent Test series against India, said that it was a difficult time for him and hoped the rest would give him a “clear mind and a chance” for his body to recover from recent injuries.
“Cricket Australia CA) today (Tuesday) confirmed that Australia and South Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait is suffering from physical and emotional exhaustion and will be rested from cricket while he undergoes a programme designed to facilitate his return to cricket at a time to be determined by such a programme,” CA said is a statement here.
Tait has bagged five wickets in three Tests since his debut in August 2005 and 33 in 18 One-Day Internationals.
CA’s chief medical officer Trefor James said that the decision to rest Tait was arrived at after discussions with the speedster and the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) medical staff.
“We’ll be working with Shaun going forward to ensure that whatever assistance he requires is provided to him. Shaun’s personal welfare is our primary concern as well as his return to cricket at an appropriate point,” said James.
SACA medical officer Terry Farquharson supported the idea of giving Tait rest.
“Shaun has experienced recurrent injuries dating back to 2005 with a shoulder injury requiring surgery, an elbow injury in 2007 also requiring surgery, which has caused him ongoing pain as well as suffering intermittent low back and hamstring injuries,” he said.
“The combination of his injury history and the demands of being an elite professional cricketer has affected his physical, and significantly, his emotional well being. Shaun feels he needs a rest from cricket and I support this.”
Tait admitted that he was undergoing tough times.
“This is a very difficult situation for me to be in at this time, this is not an overnight decision but something that I’ve been struggling with for sometime. A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover,” he said.
“My love and enjoyment of the game is struggling due to these issues and if I continue to go on it will be unfair on my team mates and support staff of both the Australian and South Australian cricket teams – and most importantly my family and close friends.”
Tait requested the media to allow him to recover in peace.
“If my privacy can be respected until I’ve worked through my current situation that would be much appreciated,” he said.
“The continued success of the Australian cricket team is important to me and I wish my team mates every success in the coming Twenty20 game and the Commonwealth Bank Series.”