Ben Stokes to take an undefined break from all formats of cricket

Stokes
ICC/ Twitter

Ben Stokes has taken an undefined break from all forms of cricket with an immediate effect, England Wales Cricket Board announced it on Friday, July 30.

England’s star all-rounder, Ben Stokes has taken time out of the sports to focus on his mental health.

The ECB has confirmed that he has dropped out of the test squad in a five-test series against India beginning next week to settle his mental health.

“Stokes has taken the break to “prioritize” his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month,”

said a media release from ECB.

Managing director of England Men’s Cricket, Ashley Giles, said:

“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.”

“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.”

Ben Stokes will be replaced in the Test squad by Craig Overton.

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