South Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington has shared an emotional update with the cricketing community after successfully undergoing surgery to address a long-standing heart condition. The experienced cricketer revealed details of her lifelong battle with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), a disorder affecting heart rhythm that can trigger sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat.
Posting a photo from her hospital bed alongside flowers and supportive messages, Wellington expressed relief following the procedure, writing, “Surgery done & dusted.” Her update offered a rare glimpse into the personal challenges she has managed while continuing to compete at elite levels.
The 27-year-old explained that SVT had been a persistent issue throughout her life, but its impact had intensified in recent times, affecting both daily activities and professional commitments. “A few people might have known I have been suffering from SVT (a heart condition) my entire life & lately it’s been affecting me,” she shared, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Difficult phase and emotional resilience
Wellington also reflected on a challenging period between 2017 and 2020, describing a time marked by limited support and significant emotional strain. “I struggled & went through a really tough period between 2017 – 2020 where I didn’t get much support or help that I needed, especially suffering from attacks or emotional break downs,” she revealed.
Despite these setbacks, her performances on the field have remained notable. In the Women’s Big Bash League, Wellington has been a key figure for the Adelaide Strikers, appearing in more than 149 matches and taking over 165 wickets. Her best figures of 5/8 stand among the competition’s standout bowling displays. Maintaining an economy rate around the 6.7 mark, she has also contributed with the bat at a strike rate above 130, adding depth to her team’s lower order. She finished as the leading wicket-taker in WBBL 07 with 23 wickets.
Franchise experience and future ambitions
Wellington’s impact has extended to England’s The Hundred, where she has represented franchises including Southern Brave, Manchester Originals and Oval Invincibles. In one of her recent campaigns, she claimed 10 wickets during a single season and finished as her team’s second-highest wicket-taker.
She described the past month as emotionally demanding, with recurring heart episodes and the anticipation of surgery creating a difficult environment. At the same time, she acknowledged the support she received from her teammates and the broader South Australia cricket setup. “The endless amount of love & support from SACA and the SACA girls have been overwhelming and very emotional for me,” she wrote.
Wellington concluded her message with an optimistic outlook on her return to cricket. “The hardest part is done. Time to recover & head to the UK for a BIG SUMMER .” Her statement signals both successful progress in recovery and her intention to resume participation in upcoming competitions, including a potential return to The Hundred.
Her journey highlights the resilience required to overcome significant health challenges while maintaining high-level performance in professional sport.
