Earlier this week 26-year-old England cricketer James Taylor was forced to retire from playing cricket because of a serious heart condition, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
In his short career, Taylor has played seven Tests and 27 one-day internationals for his country.
Though he made his ODI début against Ireland back in 2011, Indian cricket fans will remember him from India-England-Australia Tri-Series match in 2015, where he had scored a very important 82 runs ensuring his team reached the series’ final.
When Taylor had come out to bat against India, England were in a precarious situation with 66-5.
At that time, it was Taylor’s innings that had saved his team from being knocked out and ensured that they reached the finals.
Taylor, who has also represented Nottinghamshire at the county level, has similar condition to that of footballer Fabrice Muamba.
Muamba was diagnosed with ARVC back in 2012 after he had collapsed while playing a match for Bolton Wanderers against Tottenham Hotspur and his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.
NY Daily News Muamba, after he collapsed while playing against Tottenham Hotspur.
Taylor’s condition was diagnosed last week when he felt ill during the first day of his county’s pre-season fixture against Cambridge and was taken to hospital.
It was there that he found out that what was previously thought of as a viral condition was much serious and needed an operation. Heart broken, Taylor soon took to Twitter to update about his condition:
Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life! My world is upside down. But I’m here to stay and I’m battling on! #lifestooshort 😝🤒
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) 12 April 2016
Hearing about Taylor’s diagnosis many cricketers expressed shock and sent their good wishes.
One of the first people to tweet was footballer Muamba, who said:
@jamestaylor20 having life is a great option.Retirement is inevitable but for some of us it’s just earlier than expected.Enjoy life 👊🏾
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) 12 April 2016
Taylor quickly responded:
Look forward to hopefully meeting you one day mate! #inspiration https://t.co/ffgfQHkjgm
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) 12 April 2016
England team director Andrew Strauss said in a statement:
“Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability. It is immensely cruel that such a hard-working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena.”
Australian cricketers Michael Clarke, David Warner, Aaron Finch and Tom Moody too echoed their sentiments:
Really feel for @jamestaylor20 Absolutely devastated for you. https://t.co/Z8HTU5tSAx
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) 12 April 2016
Just read this. Sorry to hear @jamestaylor20 get well buddy. https://t.co/ailZGK7K9W
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) 12 April 2016
Very sad news about @jamestaylor20!! Devastated for you bud! Get well very soon! 👍🏼
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) 12 April 2016
Very sad news about @jamestaylor20 forced retirement. A talented, gutsy cricketer, wishing him all the best in the future.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) 12 April 2016
Looking at the overwhelming wishes for his good health, Taylor later sent out a thank you post on Facebook, followed by one on Twitter:
Absolutely overwhelmed with all the support I’ve received. You don’t understand how much it means to me and how much it helps! Thank you! 😘🙏
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) 12 April 2016
First bit of fresh air for a week, safe to say I’ve taken this for granted! 🙏 #lifestooshort pic.twitter.com/WsEXBr3LA4
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) 13 April 2016
