Off-spinner Jarrod Freeman of Tasmania has stepped away from cricket indefinitely to focus on his mental health.
Freeman, 23, was a member of the team that made it to the final in the 2023–24 Sheffield Shield season and has participated in every Tasmanian Sheffield Shield game over the past two seasons, taking 40 wickets at a rate of 46.00.
He also contributed significantly with the bat in Tasmania’s historic victory over Queensland in October of last year, when they chased down 432 runs.
Cricket Tasmania released a statement saying, “Cricket Tasmania values the importance of mental health and extends its support to Jarrod Freeman during this leave period.” “The organisation is hoping that he will play cricket again in the future.
“Cricket Tasmania continues to support all athletes with appropriate mental health training and education, acknowledging the challenges professional athletes can face throughout their careers.”
With the addition of Australia Under-19 offspinner Raf MacMillan and Test left-armer Matt Kuhnemann from Queensland on rookie contracts, Tasmania has strengthened their spin resources in the off-season.
Kuhnemann has shifted states in an attempt to play more red-ball cricket. He has only played four first-class matches (three for Durham and one for Australia A) since making an appearance in the Test series against India early last year. Kuhnemann was recently placed on standby for Australia’s T20 World Cup team.
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Mitchell Swepson, a legspinner, was Queensland’s spin option in the Sheffield Shield the previous year, despite the fact that the two were an integral part of the Brisbane Heat BBL championship team. Kuhnemann will stay with the Heat until the 2024–2025 campaign.