I love it when the England cricket team flies east in the winter. It means they’re playing in the early morning, UK time, and that’s just when I need them the most. Because cricket is a powerful antidepressant.
Without the sound or sight of bat on ball, early mornings at the moment would hold their usual threat
The fireworks of Bazball have been lighting up the sky for nearly two years now, and as that period has coincided with war and economic doom, the on-field heroics of Ben Stokes and the gang have been particularly welcome. But, thrilling as last year’s Ashes undoubtedly were, they still took place in the summer, the time of year when depression is at its least potent. Come the dark days – in every sense – of January and February, and that’s when the beast really lurks. Especially pre-dawn. An early 4 a.m. start in India is just what the doctor ordered.
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