Player and club to be commended

Safely arrived at the Incora County Ground after a 4.45am departure from home, I wanted to take the time to comment on Anuj Dal's bravery and honesty in recounting his challenges and struggles with depression.

I have, over many years of writing this blog, always stressed that we, as supporters, have no idea what the players are dealing with in their personal lives. We don't have the right to, of course, but we shouldn't consider them exempt from the trials of everyday life 'just because' they are professional sports people. 

The likelihood is even greater of course. Where many of us loved our recreational game of cricket, we were never good enough for this level and the stresses that it brings. As Mickey Arthur said earlier in the season, as a player your currency is runs and wickets, your mood likely dependent on whether or not you are scoring and taking them. 

Which in a way makes Dal's statement a warning for all of us. In the latter part of last summer he started taking runs and wickets and theoretically should have been on a high. 

But depression, anxiety, call it as you will doesn't work like that. It creeps up unexpectedly, as I have seen with family members and friends, when least expected, when everything in the garden might otherwise appear to be rosy. 

The admission of a problem isn't a sign of weakness, merely a common sense understanding. It is very reassuring that Luis Reece, Dustin Melton and now Anuj Dal have all 'gone public'  with their challenges and praised the support they have had from both the club and the Professional Cricketers Association. 

Yet it is also concerning that this is three players on a fairly small staff and it hints that it is merely the tip of a very large iceberg across the professional game. 

We must hope that they all show the courage to speak up and that they receive a similar level of support from their employer that our players have. 

Of course, it goes without saying that supporters must play their part. It is always pleasing that critical comment from those on here is usually well thought out and well expressed. Social media elsewhere  has much to answer for in that respect and I only hope that others show similar consideration that you all do. 

Thank you for that. 

And well done to Nuj and to Derbyshire County Cricket Club. 

Respect to both.