Stressed-out, cricketers most likely to meet with road accidents

London, Nov 16 (UNI) Something as simple as food can trigger stress-related illness among sportspersons -- especially cricketers and rugby stars -- who are also the most likely to meet with road accidents owing to psychological problems.

A report in the 'Herald Sun, quoting a sports psychologist for the Australian Olympic team Gavin Freeman, said the weight of expectations while playing for a country can cause major mental burden resulting in breakdowns and cricketers were more likely to encounter such a situation.

''Cricket is a very different type of sport. There are a lot of demands on the individual. You can imagine the pressures they are under would easily explain why they would suffer from something we could call depression,'' Freeman was quoted as saying.

''If you don't have your support structures in place, or you think you are bullet-proof, then things can happen,'' he added.

Freeman, however, refused to comment on Marcus Trescothick's stress-related withdrawl from the Ashes and said every player reacted to a situation differently and taking a general approach would not be fair on the England opener, who was reportedly inconsolable for close to two hours before boarding the flight for home.

''I would never want to comment on him individually but it doesn't matter how much money you are making, when you are away from your own comforts and support structures, that makes things a lot more difficult,'' Freeman said.

Earlier, Aussie all-rounder Andrew Symonds also had to be talked out of quitting cricket after he struggled to cop with a troubled marriage.

Freeman's views on stress on cricketers were echoed by Dr Costas Karageorghis, a reader in sports psychology at London's Brunel University. Dr Costas said the public expectations could be tough to handle at times.

''You have the weight of public expectation on you to do well.

When you do not have the calming influence of your loved ones, this can cause stress, self-doubt and self-analysis,'' Dr Costas said.

''This creates a melting pot of different emotions that are perpetuated by the tour situation. When players have an injury or a psychological issue, it is often very difficult for them to deal with their regular therapist, particularly if they are on the other side of the world,'' he added.

Freeman said Trescothick's problems may have many reasons and they need to be understood before drawing any conclusion on him.

''There's a lot of unknowns. There may be other factors -- their relationship, business interests. There are so many other factors that might contribute to the pressure,'' he said.

Dr Costas, meanwhile, said climate, food, rapport with teammates also had a part in players mental condition.

''If you don't get on with your roommate or they have certain anti-social traits, this can make you tense. Food is also a factor.

You might not be able to get what you like to eat back home,'' he said.

''Some players have difficulty adjusting to a hot climate. It can make them feel irritable and they have trouble interacting with teammates and team management,'' he added.

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