Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and the lesser known Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski announced breaks from international cricket to deal with their mental issues and got support from Cricket Australia.
“It is a pretty hectic schedule nowadays,” Smith was quoted as saying. “It’s bloody tough to sustain it for long periods of time, particularly I think for the fast bowlers. It’s extremely difficult what they put themselves through. It’s great that those conversations are happening and we’re trying to keep guys as mentally and physically fresh as they can be,” he said.
India captain Virat Kohli had also touched on the subject, lauding Maxwell for his admission and recalling the time he struggled with “end of the world” thoughts.
Smith said in the Australian dressing room players are now notifying details of their sleeping patterns and stress levels to the team management, helping in better understanding of their well being.
“We fill out daily how we’re feeling, how we slept... the sleep gets a big red every now and again. We fill out a wellness thing every day. The coach and psych (psychologist) and head of team performance look at our markers daily and it’s upon us to be honest in the way we go about that aswell,” he said.
“...if there’s a change in behaviour, if you’re feeling ill or not sleeping well or feeling a bit off, they’re aware of it. That can sort of start a conversation. Why is yoursleep bad?
“What’s going on? Why are you feeling a bit off today? It’s good that they do that. It’s good for guys’ mental health and well being as well,” he added.
The former captain was also asked about the suspension of his former Caribbean Premier League teammate Nicholas Pooran for ball-tampering. Having endured a one year ban himself, Smith hoped that the West Indian would learn from the four-match suspension.
“Everyone is different, every board is different, and the way they deal with certain issues,”analysed Smith.
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