Rachel Trenaman to take a break from cricket

Rachel Trenaman, the allrounder from Sydney Thunder and New South Wales (NSW), has requested to take a break from cricket in order to focus on her mental health and wellbeing. She will thus miss Australia A’s home series against India A later this month, and will also be rested from the second phase of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) early next year.

Trenaman, who missed much of the fifth season of the Women’s Big Bash League due to her exams, played only two matches for Thunder this year. However, in the second of those two games, Trenaman slammed an unbeaten nine-ball 20 to take Thunder to the brink of victory.

Earlier, in the WNCL, Trenaman scored her maiden List-A half-century for NSW against Victoria. In the absence of all NSW’s international stars, the right-hander batted at no.4 and quite ably held together the middle order.

The 18-year-old, who on Friday (December 6) made the announcement, has the full support of the Thunder, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia family.

“Rachel is a highly thought of young person who has the respect of her teammates, coaches and support staff at Sydney Thunder and NSW Breakers,” Chris Botherway, acting general manager of Thunder, said. “Player health and wellbeing will always be our top priority and we will provide Rachel with all the time and support she needs to make a full recovery.”

Dominic Thornley, NSW’s head coach, who worked closely with Trenaman through the pre-season and during the first-leg of the WNCL, applauded Trenaman for her courage to speak up and willingness to prioritise her health.

“We’re proud that Rachel was brave enough to speak up, and we’re here for her,” he said. “I know the cricket family is right behind her and we wish her the very best.”