Fellow fast bowler Brett Lee says a cluttered schedule and intense media scrutiny may have led to Shaun Tait's emotional breakdown.
Pace spearhead Lee gave a rare glimpse into the inner struggles of some of Australia's top cricketers, saying a crowded schedule and growing expectations could create unbearable pressure on players struggling for form.
Lee, who made a memorable Test debut in 1999, later battled for form and spent a year out of the Test side.
He said his international teammates had rallied around Tait, known as the "wild thing" of Australian fast bowling, sending messages of support in the past week.
"It's very hard because there is a lot of pressure on cricketers these days," Lee said yesterday.
"We are playing a lot more cricket. We are also under a lot more scrutiny through the media, especially if you are not taking wickets or scoring runs.
"Taity is going through a bit of a tough time, but it's up to us as mates to make sure we are calling him and make sure he is in a good place.
"He needs some time away from the game, and we hope to see him back shortly."
Batting star Mike Hussey, who was dropped from the West Australian team several years ago, says the life of an international cricketer is often not as rosy as it appears.
Hussey said matches were only a small part of the workload and every cricketer did it tough at times, despite the huge pay packets.
"I don't know what it was like back in other eras, but it's very tough and it's a lot tougher than what people think," Hussey said.
"There is so much in the package.
"There is actually playing the game, which is hard enough in itself, but that is a very small part of the whole package about playing for Australia.
"There's appearances, there's travel, there media commitments, there's training and there is so much time away from family and friends.
"All the guys go through some tough periods."
Australian players yesterday insisted they did not see any signs Tait was struggling before he withdrew from cricket.
"Tait is a really genuine character and he was his usual self, but obviously deep down he was battling pretty hard," Hussey said.
"All the guys have been in touch with him offering support.
"When he does come back, a few guys will have to take him under their wings.
"I'm sure he will come out the other end a stronger and a better person."
Paceman Stuart Clark, rested for family reasons, is set to return for Australia's clash against Sri Lanka in Sydney on Friday.
Ashley Noffke has been released from the squad.
Opener Matthew Hayden is almost certain to play, after being given extra time to recover from back and hamstring injuries.