More players will follow Meg Lanning's lead: Ashleigh Gardner
Meg Lanning (PC: Twitter)
Both men's and women's cricket have become gruelling with the advent of T20 cricket, which has led to the cropping up of many 20-over competitions. Post COVID-19 era, players have openly spoken about mental stress and its effect on their game and personal life.
One of the most successful captains in world cricket, Meg Lanning recently opted for an indefinite break from the game to recuperate herself. Teammate Ashleigh Gardner, who has played over 100 international matches for Australia, talked about several players following Lanning's example going ahead.
Recently, wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy revealed that she, too, is concerned about her future after Lanning's decision and opener Rachael Haynes' early retirement.
Speaking with ABC, Gardner said
"Over the next 10 years, there's going to be heaps more people that are going to pull out of tournaments because they just want to have a break, to reset and recharge.
Everyone expects us to be perfect all the time but realistically that's not how it is. People tend to forget that it does take a toll."
Australia's next international assignment will be in India against the hosts in December 2022.
Lanning guided Australia to the ICC World Cup 2022 title and a gold medal in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 apart from leading the side in bilateral series and the coveted Women's Ashes in the past 12 months.
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