When you grow up, all you can think of is wearing the Baggy Green. I didn’t want to do anything but that. I played other sports but nothing close to being a Test cricketer.
I remember silly things like making sinkers in my parent’s garage and listening to Justin Langer make his debut on the radio.
Then after I finished working (I will have to speak to my parents with regard to the health and safety there..haha) I would go to the front yard and pretend I was Justin Langer trying to save the Test for Australia. CRICKET WAS MY LIFE!!
You aren't prepared for how hard that life can be.
There are amazing highs, there are amazing lows. I think for me, some of the greatest moments and memories were under the eyes of family and friends. The individual success meant zero compared to being able to take my dad through the Lords museum in England, that's a memory you will never forget.
Thommo and I have seen each other numerous times since this article, had a beer and acted like nothing had even been said. The game isn't easy and every player and every person has their own struggles in sport and in life. I know (now) when he said this, he wasn't having a personal attack against me, it’s his job to be controversial, it was his job to make headlines. Did it hurt? Did it make me never want to talk to him again??
I get it. Everyone has something to say about that athlete, or that kid or that friend. Just remember what you say to someone, you can never take back. What you say to hurt someone you can never not say it. Every person in the world right now is going through their own journey and own struggles.
Be kind. The world is hard enough without all that external noise. If you are out there and today is a tough day, I get it, it's not easy. Switch off your phone, read a book, go for a walk, hug a dog, do something for you, I guarantee you will feel better.
Hang in there.... Find a friend or someone who can help you through this. This feeling right now will pass. It isn't forever.
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