Cricketing mortals

What Gideon Haigh highlights is that even those at the pinnacle of their sport are human, with all the foibles, faults and frailties of ordinary mortals (“For the good of the game”, 16/11). That Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski are now experiencing mental health issues and can acknowledge them, reflects a new understanding about cricket’s psychological challenges as well as recognising them as vulnerable to unrelenting pressures and unrealistic standards of performance.

This reality suggests social commentary should see what everyone is going through, beyond the surface, regarding sportspeople as human beings first and foremost. Allowing them to admit their shortcomings and embrace their humanity could help destigmatise mental illness.