It's almost epidemic proportions: Ian

Melbourne : Former Australia captain Ian Chappell on Thursday said the burgeoning issue of mental health, forcing active players into sabbaticals, has reached "almost epidemic proportions" in his country and urged the cricket board to immediately address the matter.

Young Victorian batsman Will Pucovski has become the third Australian cricketer to report mental health problems to the team management in just over two weeks after international stars Glenn Maxwell and Nic Maddinson both took breaks from the game.

Pucovski has withdrawn from the reckoning for the first Test against Pakistan, citing mental health issues, as CA looks to get a grip on the situation. "It's a helluva problem. It's almost epidemic proportions," Chappell told local radio station '3AW'.

"It's all well and good to be saying it's very courageous of these guys to come out and speak and yes, it is brave, but Cricket Australia has got to get to the bottom of what's causing this," the 76-year-old Australian great said.

Pucovski, who had taken two breaks to deal with his mental health last summer, has informed Australia A team management that he is struggling, days ahead of the Test series against Pakistan.

Pucovski, who hit 243 for Victoria in a Sheffield Shield game against Western Australia last year, also withdrew from the Test squad against Sri Lanka last February for the same reason. CA's head of national teams Ben Oliver applauded Pucovski "for having the courage to discuss his situation".

"Will's decision not to nominate for Test selection was the right one in the circumstances and one that everyone in the Australian cricket family supports," he said in a statement.

"By Will bravely taking this position, he will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar challenges to speak up and take positive steps towards improving their mental wellbeing."

The issue has gained significance with many prominent voices like India captain Virat Kohli speaking about the mental struggles of a top-flight player.

Experienced South African batsman David Miller has stressed on the need to look after mental health, saying it is important to take time off from a demanding sport like cricket.

Miller, who featured in the World Cup, the Indian Premier League and the tour of India in a hectic schedule this year, had recently taken time off to get back his focus.