Yahoo Finance Former Australia batsman Michael Slater charged over alleged domestic violence incident
Former Australia cricketer Michael Slater has been charged by police following an alleged domestic violence incident in Sydney.
Slater was taken into custody at a police station in Sydney's northern suburbs on Wednesday and declined to comment after his release. "Michael’s got nothing to say, he’s exercising his right to silence," his lawyer James McLoughlin said.
New South Wales (NSW) police said they had started an investigation on Tuesday into reports of a domestic violence incident last week.
"Following inquiries, detectives attended a home at Manly about 9.20am and spoke with a 51-year-old man. He has since been arrested and taken to Manly police station," NSW Police said in a statement.
"He was...charged with use (of a) carriage service to menace/harass/offend and stalk/intimidate."
Slater's manager Sean Anderson said his client was suffering health problems. "Michael has been privately battling health and mental issues for some time now," he told Reuters in a text message.
"He has now admitted himself into care in order to continue his treatment. He is also receiving legal advice in relation to today's charges."
Opening bat Slater played 74 Tests from 1993 to 2001 and 42 one-day internationals, before becoming a fixture on Australian TV screens as a cricket commentator for 15 years.
Slater was dumped from the Seven Network's cricket commentary team last month after three years with the Australian broadcaster.
The 51-year-old caused controversy in May after a furious tirade against Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on social media.
Slater said Morrison had "blood on (his) hands" after the government temporarily banned Australians from returning home from India as the Asian nation battled a major Covid-19 outbreak.
Aussie fast bowler Pattinson retires from Test cricket
James Pattinson has announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
According to The Australian, the pace bowler told selectors he no longer wants to be considered for Test cricket after struggling with injury throughout his career.
In an interview last month, Pattinson indicated he was close to the end of his Test career.
"This year, if I'm being honest, it's probably one of my last cracks at it. I'm going to try and play in the Ashes and see how I go," he told cricket.com.au.
"The hardest part as you get older is that you want to try and enjoy your cricket as well. You put all your attention into playing cricket for Australia and at some stage, that finishes."
