Yardy withdrawn from World Cup

Michael Yardy, the England allrounder, has been withdrawn from England's World Cup squad after suffering from depression.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, but he has the full backing of his county. "Sussex are very proud of Michael Yardy and very supportive of his decision," said Sussex's professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson, "not only to come home but also to be prepared to go public with the reasons.

"He's always been a person admired for his utmost honesty and integrity, and his courage in dealing with this issue emphasises that. As captain and one of our leading players, we'll give him all the time and all the support necessary so that he can continue to lead this club forward."

"As a club we request that everybody, including both supporters and the media, respects his privacy as he looks to spend some time with his family, having been away for five months. In due course, Michael will make a statement and in the meantime the club, its members and supporters wish him a speedy recovery."


A replacement is yet to be named, although names in the frame include the Yorkshire legspinner Adil Rashid, who is currently touring the Caribbean with the England Lions, and Samit Patel, whose failure to adhere to the squad's fitness standards attracted the ire of Andy Flower, but whose combative skills would undoubtedly be of value in the knock-outs.