• World Cup 2011

Yardy leaves World Cup suffering with depression

ESPN staff
March 24, 2011
Michael Yardy had provided an option with bat and ball for England at the 2011 ICC World Cup © AFP
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Michael Yardy, the England allrounder, has been withdrawn from England's World Cup squad after suffering from depression. He returned to the UK ahead of England's quarter-final against Sri Lanka in Colombo on March 26.

"Leaving at this stage of a World Cup campaign was a very difficult decision to make but I felt that it was the only sensible option for me and I wanted to be honest about the reason behind that decision," Yardy said.

"I would like to wish the squad all the very best ahead of the game on Saturday. I would appreciate some privacy over the coming weeks while I spend time with family and close friends ahead of what I hope will be a successful season for Sussex."

Yardy represented England in three games this World Cup, picking up two wickets but proved expensive. With the bat in the lower order, he managed 19 runs in three innings.

Hugh Morris, the managing director of England Cricket, said: "I would like to offer my full support to Michael on behalf of everyone involved with the England team and the ECB. Michael has been an integral part of the England set-up in recent years and while he will be missed in the knock-out stages of the World Cup, our priority now is to ensure that he returns home to his family and is able to spend time recovering with a strong support network around him."

The decision to withdraw Yardy was taken in consultation with the England squad's medical team. A replacement is yet to be named.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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