Craig Miles has retired from professional cricket to protect his mental health. In recent years, there have been reasons why cricketers, especially English cricketers, have taken breaks or retired from the game due to on- and off-field pressure. Now the Gloucestershire pacer who played in the Vitality Blast has decided to walk away from the game for the same reason.
There have been some big names in English cricket who have decided to end their careers abruptly after suffering from mental health issues, with two of them now being associated with the England National Cricket Team, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and fielding coach Sarah Taylor. Apart from that, Jonathan Trott also stepped away due to a stress-related illness and subsequently retired.
Craig Miles wrote an open letter on his official social media account where he stated his retirement decision. He also stated that it was not an easy decision for him and that the struggles he has faced in recent times have forced him to take the call so that he can have good mental health.
"It’s with sadness, but also with huge pride, that I can announce my retirement from professional cricket. Although this has by no means been an easy decision, given the struggles I've experienced with the game in recent times, I've made this call in order to prioritise my mental well-being."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @gloucestershire_cricket
"My recent time away from the game has given me the opportunity to reflect and understand myself better, as well as my relationship with cricket. The challenges I've faced recently are ones I've experienced at other points in my career, although never with the same intensity as this time. The high expectations I place on myself and the standards I've always tried to reach, have often been the catalyst for these periods."
"I saw them as bumps in the road": Craig Miles on criticism and pressure
Further, he stated that he had self-doubt over his performance, which has negatively affected his confidence and also made it difficult to sustain in the game. He previously also had the same problems, but then he was young, and he overcame all the problems as the 32-year-old pacer believed it to be temporary roadblocks in his career.
"At times, they have compromised how I've felt about my abilities and performances. The questioning and self-doubt that follow only serve to reinforce an unhelpful narrative. When you add in the volatility and uncertainty that cricket naturally brings, it becomes an unforgiving and ultimately unsustainable way to approach the game.
"The naivety of youth, ambition and the continual desire to be the best player I could be helped me through previous challenges. I saw them as bumps in the road, part of the process, or simply a period of form, and those were the justifications that allowed me to persist, bounce back and come through the other side.
Craig Miles had a brilliant first-class career
Speaking further, Craig Miles stated that with all the hard times he has faced previously, he feels that he does not have more to take such bumps and to continue the game. The pacer began his career in Bristol and took 512 wickets in total in all three formats of the game.
Craig Miles added, "Unfortunately, I now feel I no longer have the capacity to continue in a way that allows me to train, play and perform to a standard I can accept from myself. Of course, there have also been so many periods when I’ve loved the game, played with freedom and truly expressed the player I am."
Hence then, the article about gloucestershire pacer craig miles announces retirement cites mental health struggles was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Gloucestershire pacer Craig Miles announces retirement, cites mental health struggles )
Also on site :
- 2000s Rock Frontman Opens for Ed Sheeran After His Tour Acts Quit: ‘Everybody Seems to Be Taking Sides’
- Taylor Swift Interrupts ‘SNL’ Host’s Monologue About 2 ‘Very Lame’ Breakups: ‘I’m Not Your Therapist, Actually’
- ‘Everyone knows’ Kiev is embezzling Western aid – ex-Polish PM