Ben Stokes: England allrounder to take ‘indefinite break’ from cricket to focus on his mental health
Stokes won’t play any part in the Test series with India as he prioritises his ‘mental wellbeing’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England allrounder Ben Stokes is to take an “indefinite break” from all cricket with immediate effect, it has been confirmed.
The ECB have confirmed that Stokes has withdrawn from England's Test squad ahead of the Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
He will also rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.
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."
Stokes will be replaced in the squad by Somerset's Craig Overton.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments