6 England Cricketers Took Break From The Game

6 England Cricketers Took Break From The Game

With recent news of English batsman Alex Hales taking break from the cricket due to personal reasons have created unrest in English ranks as Hales is one of their most prolific ODI batsmen over the past few years at top of the order. This is not the first time that England player has taken brake from the game of cricket due to personal problems or stress related illness at their prime.



Let’s have a look at few of the modern English players who have put their career on halt due to various issues:

Graham Thorpe:

Graham Thorpe Took Break because of Personal Problems
Graham Thorpe Took Break because of Personal Problems

England’s stylish left handed batsman Graham Thorpe who was an integral part of England bating lineup since his debut back in 1993. In 2001 Thorpe announced that he will take break from the game to sort his personal issues off the field which were causing distraction for him on the field. However he do came back in 2002 and played for another three years before announcing his retirement in 2005. Graham Thorpe replaced Mark Ramparkash as England’s batting coach in 2019.

Marcus Trescothick:

Marcus Trescothick left international cricket sue to stress related illness
Marcus Trescothick left international cricket sue to stress related illness



Another left hander another problem for England. Just like Thorpe Marcus Trescothick was another permanent fixture of England top order since making his test debut in 2000 and cemented his place immediately with strong batting performances. But it was only after 6 years at international level that he needed to came out of spot of light due to stress related illness. He took break from international cricket in 2006 and as if nothing has improved he announced his retirement from international cricket in 2008. But he is still going merely in county cricket and currently serving his 26th year for Somerset in County Championship.

Michael Yardy:

Michael Yardy left in the middle of World Cup because of Stress
Michael Yardy left in the middle of World Cup because of Stress



Next England international cricketer fell to depression was Michael Yardy who represented England in ODI & T20I’s and was permanent fixture of England’s limited over setup when he  opt to take break from cricket during ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and went back to England midway through the tournament. Yardy made return to county cricket but never wear the England colors again. He captained Sussex and later on becomes their batting coach.

Jonathan Trott:

Jonathan Trott caught short of greatness by stress
Jonathan Trott caught short of greatness by stress

Jonathan Trott was enjoying a stellar run at international cricket for England until he was snapped up by depression and was the next casualty in England’s list of players affected by stress related illness. Since making his debut in 2009 he was one of the most dependable in England’s middle order but his decision to take break in 2013 was first sighted as burnout but soon it was revealed that he is out due to stress. He tried to make a comeback in 2015 but failed miserably.

Craig Kieswetter:

Craig Kieswetter Rise crashed Through an Eye Injury
Craig Kieswetter Rise crashed Through an Eye Injury



Another England talent took an early retirement after an injury affected his eyesight. Craig Kieswetter won man of the match award in WT20 final of 2011 represented England in 46 ODI’s and 25 T20I’s at top level but his career cut short when he was hit on eye during county match which damage his eye socket in 2014 and announced his retirement in 2015.

James Taylor:

Critical Heart Condition took life line of James Taylor Batting Career
Critical Heart Condition took life line of James Taylor Batting Career

James Taylor and England were shocked when they came to know that England’s short heighted but highly rated young batsman have a heart disease and he cannot play any competitive sport. He was forced to retire at age of 26 after just 7 test matches and handful if ODI’s under his belt. James Taylor becomes England selector in 2018.



With Alex Hales the latest casualty, it is still to be seen that how extended this break for Alex Hales will become.

About Ehsan Muhammad Khan

A cricket enthusiast who is keenly following cricket since years and now transforming his passion for the game by analyzing events taking place on the cricket field.

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