The career of Australian test fast bowler Shaun Tait has come to a sudden halt, with the 24 year old quitting all forms of the game indefinitely, citing the need for a physical and mental break. Tait recently endured a horror return to the test arena after a two year absence, failing to take a wicket against India in Perth. The South Australian was expected to be part of Australia’s one day squad to play in the upcoming triangular series.“The combination of his injury history and the demands of being an elite professional cricketer has affected his physical, and significantly, his emotional well being, ” said SACA medical officer Terry Farquharson. “Shaun feels he needs a rest from cricket and I support this, which will allow him to recover both physically and emotionally.”
Tait first broke onto the international scene during the 2005 Ashes series. He has played three tests, with Australia losing two and drawing one. Tait has taken just five wickets at an average of 60.40. The firebrand has a far superior record in ODI cricket, taking 33 wickets at 23.45 in 18 matches. After battling shoulder, elbow, back and hamstring injuries for two years, Tait’s career appeared to be back on track in December, when he starred in Australia’s Twenty20 win over New Zealand.
“This is not an overnight decision but something that I’ve been struggling with for sometime,” Tait said in an official Cricket Australia media release. “A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover.”
“My love and enjoyment of the game is struggling due to these issues and if I continue to go on it will be unfair on my team mates and support staff of both the Australian and South Australian cricket teams - and most importantly my family and close friends.”
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Shaun Tait is a Champion bowler. I blame the aussie media for his retirement. U guys hyped up expectations that he would roll over the Indian batting line up. u dont anger the famed Indian middle order. the last time u guys did it was in 2003, when Brett Lee went for 200 plus runs.