England allrounder Michael Yardy has returned to Britain suffering from depression and will play no further part in the World Cup. The England & Wales Cricket Board said in a statement Thursday that Yardy needed advice and treatment,"to overcome an illness he has been managing for a prolonged period of time.'' Yardy said in a statement released by the ECB that leaving as England prepared for a crucial quarterfinal against Sri Lanka was a difficult decision to make. "I felt that it was the only sensible option for me and I wanted to be honest about the reason behind that decision.'' Yardy is the second England player to leave a tour because of depression. Opener Marcus Trescothick fought and failed to beat the illness that attacked him whenever he left his family and home to travel abroad. I would like to wish the squad all the very best ahead of the game on Saturday. I would appreciate some privacy over the coming weeks while I spend time with family and close friends ahead of what I hope will be a successful season for Sussex,'' Yardy said. The ECB has applied to the International Cricket Council to replace Yardy,who has played a peripheral part in England's World Cup campaign. The decision was taken in close consultation with the England medical team after it was agreed Yardy should return home immediately to receive the best possible advice and support as he seeks to overcome an illness he has been managing for a prolonged period of time,'' The ECB said. Yardy was seen practicing and joking with his England teammates at Colombo's Premadasa cricket ground on Tuesday. It was not known if he would have been selected for Saturday's game. The 30-year-old batsman has played in just three of England's six group stage games,scoring just 19 runs and taking two wickets. ECB Chief Executive Hugh Morris said it was important for Yardy to get well soon. Michael has been an integral part of the England set up in recent years and while he will be missed in the knock out stages of the World Cup,our priority now is to ensure that he returns home to his family and is able to spend time recovering with a strong support network around him,'' Morris said.
