Sophie Molineux to take break from Women's Big Bash for mental health reasons

The 21-year-old is the latest Australian player to open up, following the trio of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski, all of whom have temporarily stepped away from the game in recent weeks

Australia allrounder Sophie Molineux is to take a break from cricket for mental health reasons.

Molineux, who has played every game for Melbourne Renegades in this season’s Women’s Big Bash League, has withdrawn from her side’s upcoming local derby against Melbourne Stars as she focuses on her mental health and wellbeing.

The 21-year-old is the latest Australian player to open up, following the trio of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski, all of whom have temporarily stepped away from the game in recent weeks.

Australia Women’s team doctor Pip Inge said Cricket Australia would provide any support needed by Molineux, while also helping her return when she is ready.

“Sophie has made the decision to take a break from cricket and we are providing her with the support she needs,” Inge said.

“The welfare of our players is a priority and we are proud of the brave decision by Sophie to step away from the game.”

Since making her international bow in March 2018 in a T20I against India, the left-arm spinner has become a key figure for Australia. She took four wickets in the drawn Ashes Test at Taunton on Test debut, while also playing in two of the three T20Is as Australia retained the Women’s Ashes comprehensively during the summer.

That came after a frustrating beginning to 2019, with Molineux dislocating her shoulder in February. She has managed the injury since and was left out of Australia’s post-Ashes series in West Indies and at home against Sri Lanka.

“Sophie knows her teammates and the Renegades coaches and support staff are always there for her,” Renegades head coach Tim Coyle added.

“We’ll give Sophie the time, space and any support she needs.”

Although her WBBL form had been mixed – she has scored 101 runs in 10 games, Molineux has been pushing for a place in Australia’s squad for next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.

Makinley Blows has been called into the Renegades squad as a replacement.

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