Cricket's Black Dog: Depression and Cricket

"Cricket's Black Dog" by Andrew Murtagh is not just another sports book but a critical analysis of a crisis that is often overlooked. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a former Hampshire cricketer and someone who has wrestled with depression, Murtagh delivers a work that's both deeply personal and rigorously researched. 
The statistics alone are chilling: English cricketers are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide as the average male, with 151 former first-class cricketers having taken their own lives. But Murtagh goes beyond the numbers, weaving together intimate interviews with cricket luminaries like Barry Richards, David Frith, and Graeme Fowler to create a tapestry of shared experiences and painful truths.
What makes this book particularly compelling is how it challenges our assumptions. The paradox is striking: how can a sport played in the sunshine, often romanticised as the gentleman's game, harbour such darkness? Murtagh's investigation suggests that cricket's very nature – its long periods of isolation, its emphasis on individual performance within a team context, and its unforgiving spotlight on personal failure – might create the perfect storm for mental health struggles.
The author's interviews with mental health professionals and current players provide fresh insights into the modern game's psychological demands. Particularly revealing are the conversations with Jeremy Snape and David Nash, who speak candidly about the pressure cooker environment of professional cricket and its impact on mental well-being.
But this isn't just a catalogue of despair. Murtagh's work serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for change. He critically examines current support systems within cricket organisations, highlighting both progress made and glaring gaps that still need addressing. The book's final chapters offer thoughtful recommendations for players, coaches, and administrators, emphasising the need for systematic change rather than mere lip service. 
What sets "Cricket's Black Dog" apart is Murtagh's ability to balance scholarly rigour with emotional resonance. His writing is clear and compelling, never sensationalising but never shying away from difficult truths. The result is a groundbreaking work that should be required reading not just for cricket enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the intersection of sport and mental health. 
This is more than a book about cricket – it's a vital contribution to our understanding of mental health in professional sports and a powerful reminder that even in our most beloved games, the biggest battles are often fought within. 
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Published: May 5, 2025
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801203
ISBN-13: 978-1836801207
Dimensions: 222 x 250 (mm)