Tait goes for indefinite break, might quit cricket

Melbourne, Jan 29 (UNI) Cricket Australia (CA) has ruled out fast bowler Shaun Tait from being considered for national selection for an indefinite period claiming the bowler is suffering from physical and emotional exhaustion and needs rest.

In a statement issued by CA, Chief Medical Officer Dr Trefor James said, ''After discussions with Shaun and the South Australian Cricket Association medical staff it is clear that Shaun needs a break from cricket at all levels.

''We'll be working with Shaun going forward to ensure that whatever assistance he requires is provided to him. Shaun's personal welfare is our primary concern as well as his return to cricket at an appropriate point,'' he said.

The pace bowler will not take part in the only Twenty20 match between India and Australia on February 1 at Melbourne. He will also be out of the one-day series which will feature Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

The 24-year-old pacer is one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket but has struggled to cement a place in the Australian Test team, making just three appearances in his career.

Tait will undergo a program designed to facilitate his return to cricket at a time to be determined by such a program.

Meanwhile, Tait said it was a difficult decision for him and wasn't an overnight decision as he has been struggling with it for sometime.

''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, he said.

''The continued success of the Australian cricket team is important to me and I wish my team mates every success in the coming Twenty20 game and the Commonwealth Bank Series,'' he said.

He also added that his privacy needs to be respected. ''If my privacy can be respected until I've worked through my current situation that would be much appreciated.'' UNI XC RAR CS AS1304