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Struggling artist shares his harrowing experience with mental health battles and credit's his spouse for rescuing him from the brink of despair

Test selection for Ashes series edges closer for Jake Weatherald, potential selection largely due to support from his wife

Struggling artist shares his harrowing battle with mental illness and credits his wife for his...
Struggling artist shares his harrowing battle with mental illness and credits his wife for his survival

Struggling artist shares his harrowing experience with mental health battles and credit's his spouse for rescuing him from the brink of despair

Jake Weatherald on the Brink of Ashes Selection After Mental Health Struggles and Recovery

Jake Weatherald, the South Australian cricketer, is currently on the verge of being selected for the upcoming Ashes series. This potential selection comes after a series of ups and downs in Weatherald's career, including a break from the game due to mental health issues.

Weatherald, who plays for South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers in domestic cricket, made a name for himself in 2018 when he scored a century in the BBL final, helping the Strikers win their first title. However, his journey has not been an easy one. In 2020, he went through a difficult period, spending a month confined to his home due to crippling anxiety and feelings of loneliness and worthlessness.

During this challenging time, Weatherald found support through mental health awareness and mentoring communities related to cricket. He engaged with cricket mentoring programs that address the mental challenges athletes face, contributing to his refreshed mental health and renewed love for the game.

Weatherald's wife, Rachel Pearce, played a crucial role in helping him overcome his mental health struggles. He credits Pearce for keeping him alive and fueling his return to cricket after two mental health breaks. In a heartfelt admission, Weatherald acknowledges that his wife has had to put up with a lot in their 15 years together and owes his career revival to her.

George Bailey, the national selection chair, has stated that Weatherald is "well in the mix" for selection in the Ashes series. Weatherald's recent performances, including scoring 183 runs for Australia in a recent match and being the top scorer in the 2024 Sheffield Shield season, have not gone unnoticed.

The start of the domestic summer is critical for Weatherald and his fellow cricketer, Sam Konstas. Performances in the early rounds of Shield cricket can influence selection for the Ashes series. However, Konstas' position in the Ashes series is not certain, creating potential competition between the two.

Weatherald is speaking openly about his mental health struggles to inspire others. He hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can help break the stigma surrounding mental health in sports and encourage others to seek help when they need it.

The Ashes series, likely to consist of three, four, or five rounds of Shield cricket, is set to be a challenging and exciting competition. With Weatherald's determination and resilience, he is certainly a genuine chance for selection in this prestigious series.

[1] Mental Health Awareness and Mentoring Communities Support Weatherald's Recovery [2] Weatherald's Love for Cricket Renewed Through Mental Health Programs and Wife's Support

  1. Jake Weatherald's recovery from his mental health struggles has been significantly aided by mental health awareness and mentoring communities related to cricket.
  2. The renewed love that Jake Weatherald has for cricket has been discovered through his engagement with mental health programs, as well as the support of his wife, Rachel Pearce.
  3. As the Ashes series approaches, science and health-and-wellness remain crucial factors in the potential selection of cricketers, with mental health playing a significant role in determining who makes the cut.

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