The last two weeks I have felt normal again and more like myself after the break that I just had to take from cricket for my own good and of my teams.

The break was what I needed at the time. Hopefully, down the track, I will look back and say that was the best decision I ever made. It wasn’t an easy decision, though, and I had a tough time for a couple of weeks before announcing what I was going to do.

My body was struggling a lot and because of that it was affecting me mentally as well. I just wasn’t enjoying it and everything became very draining. These things, like coming back from injuries constantly over the last couple of years, took their toll.

Some people handle it well and some probably don’t. You can keep going and be tough about the situation but why keep going if you are not enjoying it? Marcus Trescothick sent a few quotes through, which was nice of him, but I never spoke with him personally. The support has been great.

I’m now taking things easy, watching some local football and local cricket, spending time with my family and mates, I have been up to the (Adelaide) Hills a few times and have just tried to recharge my body and get my mind right as well.

I’m sure this break will allow me to appreciate the game again when I get back into it. Obviously I can’t pick and choose when I play for Australia gain but I think I am probably looking at coming back for the start of the next Australian season. I’ve certainly not given up on being in the next Ashes squad!

My name was floated around for the second IPL auction and I don’t really know much about that, though it was never really a serious probability because I haven’t played much cricket lately.

Basically, I know I made the right decision to walk away from cricket for a few months, I’m enjoying my life again now and I’m at a good place so I’m sure things will go well from here.