Out of the ordinary: Amanda-Jade Wellington adjusts to a new ‘normal’
A Life-Changing Procedure
Amanda-Jade Wellington was still getting used to a new ‘normal’ when she did something truly extraordinary on the cricket pitch. Known for her bubbly persona and sharp leg-spin, the Australian cricketer recently revealed a significant personal struggle: she has suffered throughout her life with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This condition involves a fault in the electrical signals of the heart, causing it to beat much faster than a standard, resting rhythm.
For Wellington, the road to recovery involved a medical procedure known as an ablation. This process requires a catheter to be inserted into the heart—often via a vein in the groin—to apply heat or cold energy. The goal is to create tiny, controlled scars to block the faulty electrical signals and restore a natural heartbeat. It is a major medical event, but for Wellington, it was a necessary step toward reclaiming her quality of life.
Returning to the Field
Barely three months after the surgery, the Hampshire leg-spinner made an emphatic return. In a standout performance during the Vitality Blast, she claimed a hat-trick as part of a stunning five-wicket haul, steering her side to a comprehensive victory over Essex. This success was not merely a stroke of luck; it was the result of a rigorous recovery process that began shortly after her procedure in March. By April, she was already braving the chilly Southampton weather, preparing for the domestic One Day Cup.
Her statistics since the surgery have been impressive. Across eight matches in the One Day Cup, she secured 11 wickets with an economy rate of 4.19. Transitioning into the T20 format, her impact has been equally profound. Following a victory against Lancashire Thunder in Blackpool, her tally grew to 11 wickets at an average of 16.00.
Learning a New Rhythm
Beyond the statistics, the most significant change has been internal. Wellington describes the sensation of her post-surgery heart as a surreal experience. ‘I feel fantastic,’ she says. ‘I’m in a really good place. I’ve been able to feel my heart completely different now. It’s weird. I can feel it beating normally, which is definitely not normal for me.’
The journey leading up to the surgery was fraught with anxiety. Facing the prospect of anesthesia and heart surgery, Wellington had to navigate difficult conversations with loved ones, including her partner, Humraj. She credits her South Australian teammates and support staff for providing a safe space to be vulnerable. That emotional support has translated into her new role at Hampshire, where she has been welcomed with open arms by her new teammates.
Looking Ahead
While she hasn’t played for Australia since the 2022 World Cup, Wellington remains remarkably grounded and content. She has embraced a career focused on domestic leagues and global competitions. Although she missed out on the inaugural auction for the newest iteration of The Hundred, she maintains a positive outlook, noting that the professional landscape is constantly shifting.
Her ambition remains clear: to play for as long as her body allows. ‘Play for as long as possible, that’s my goal,’ she asserts. ‘I want to be able to bowl these ripping leggies until I’m like 38, 40-odd.’ Beyond her playing days, she is already planning a future in the sport she loves, with aspirations to transition into media, commentary, and spin coaching. For Wellington, cricket is not just a job; it is a life-long passion that she intends to pursue with the same intensity she brings to her recovery and her game.
