London: England star all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from the game to ‘prioritise his mental well-being’ and withdrawn from the home Test series against India, which is beginning from August 4. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday, that Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect.
“Ben Stokes has withdrawn from England’s Test squad ahead of the Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.
The ECB said they fully supported Stokes’ decision and would continue to help him during his time away from the game,” the ECB statement read.
“Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing. Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this,” Managing Director of England men’s cricket, Ashley Giles said.
Official Statement: Ben Stokes
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2021
The mental health of cricketers in COVID times has become a topic of constant discussion with the players having to stay in bio-bubbles for months or so. Backing Stokes’ decision Giles said, he will be given time, as long he needs.
“Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging. The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the last 16 months has had a major impact on everyone’s wellbeing. Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future,” Giles further said.
If reports are something to go by, Craig Overton will replace Ben Stokes in the squad for the Test series. Stokes had recently made his international comeback and led England to a 3-0 victory over Pakistan in ODIs after their original squad was forced to isolate due to a coronavirus outbreak within the hosts’ camp.
