Jonathan Trott, England cricket batsman today announced he is leaving the Ashes tour of Australia because of a long-standing stress-related condition. The story has received wide coverage this morning. He is quoted on the Guardian as saying “I don’t feel it is right that I’m playing knowing that I’m not 100% and I cannot currently operate at the level I have done in the past, my priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery. I want to wish my team-mates all the very best for the remainder of the tour.”

Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change said,  

"Despite mental health problems being so common many people still find it hard to talk openly about it, but when people do so it has the power to change perceptions.  It has been really encouraging to see more sports people speak with great honesty and openness about experiences like stress and depression.

No-one is immune to mental health problems and that includes elite sportspeople who face huge pressure at the top end of all sports.  We are encouraging all sports bodies to focus on mental health, just as we are with employers from all sectors.  We want to wish Jonathan all the best with his recovery and hope he and his family get all the support they need.”

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