Ben Stokes Takes Indefinite Break From Cricket To Focus On Mental Health, Withdraws From India Test Series
The England all-rounder will pull out of the India Test series and step away from the sport after an emotional few years
Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from the game, the England Cricket Board announced on Friday (July 30).
The star all rounder has taken the decision to leave the game for a time in order to prioritise his mental health after playing cricket for several years and facing highs and lows in his cricket career.
As per reports, Craig Overton is all set to replace Stokes in the squad for the first two Tests against India, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge and Lord’s from August 6.
Stokes will also rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.
“Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing,” managing director of England men’s cricket Ashley Giles said.
“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.
“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.”
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