England women’s star wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been rested for the upcoming Tri-nation T20I series and ODI series in India. An investment in Taylor’s long-term health was behind the decision not to include her in England’s squad for the tour of India.
While insisting there were “no issues” with Taylor, England coach Mark Robinson accepted her condition required some management.
“Any player’s well-being is the most important thing at any time,” Robinson said. “And that’s why Sarah is not going on this tour.
Taylor remains very much the No. 1 choice as keeper, though. “If it was a competition for keeps she’d be on the plane,” Robinson said. “I promise there are no issues at all with Sarah. She’s doing brilliantly.
“When she made her comeback she focussed a lot on her well-being and worked hard with her support team and on her cricket as well. Then we went into the World Cup and that went straight into the Super League. Then we went straight into the Ashes and she had no time to breathe. So we always tried to earmark the next four months after the end of the Ashes to focus on herself as well as her cricket.
Robinson added: “There’s a really good network behind Sarah. She has a good mum and dad; a good partner. Sarah is incredibly brave to speak openly about her issues. She’s a great example to us all.”
The uncapped trio of Bryony Smith, Alice Davidson-Richards and Katie George were named by England for Indian tour.
Sarah Taylor, who has a huge fan base in India took to Twitter to thank everyone for all the messages of support, regarding her anxiety issues and her comeback in International cricket.
“Best of luck to the 3 newbies and the girls in India! An incredible country!
Also thanks to everyone for all the messages of support. It’s the right decision for me to be able to do what I love for longer :),” Sarah Tweeted.
Best of luck to the 3 newbies and the girls in India! An incredible country!
Also thanks to everyone for all the messages of support. It's the right decision for me to be able to do what I love for longer 🙂 https://t.co/pnfc4bEYzF
— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) March 8, 2018
Here’s how Indian fans reacted to Sarah Taylor’s post:
https://twitter.com/sravani2028/status/971778186332684288
U'll be missed, but get well & heal as best u can! Take care 🤗
— trace deakin (@totalspurs) March 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/KaranArjunSm/status/971993379033694208
@Sarah_Taylor30 You should have come to India, would have loved to see you play but rest well. ❤️ https://t.co/1kM13UYj0v
— Gaurav Raikar (@gauravraikar) March 9, 2018
Thank you for your kind words on 🇮🇳India.. We always welcome u.. Your an inspiration 😍 #keeprocking. #Love 😍😍😍
— Venkatesh Reddy ᴰᵉᵛᵃʳᵃ 💙 (@venkydaya09) March 8, 2018
We, the people of that wonderful country love the wonderful cricketer you are @Sarah_Taylor30 💖
Wanted to see you in the stadium, but…
Anyways hope the series to be a well fought one ✌— Raj (@rajankur4) March 8, 2018
But we will miss you .
— Sajid Ali (@ItyagiSajid) March 8, 2018
Wish you good luck for upcoming matches! Happy women’s day!!😊😊
— sabtha sagar (@sabtha_sagar) March 8, 2018