England’s star cricketer Ben Stokes has withdrawn from the England squad for the five-match test series against India. The all-rounder took the decision to focus on his mental well-being and his recovery from a finger injury.
He sustained a fracture on his left index finger and underwent surgery for it. Craig Overton will replace Stokes in England squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday released a statement to confirm the news. They stated:
“The ECB fully supports Ben’s decision, and we will continue to help him during this period away from the game.”
Official Statement: Ben Stokes
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2021
Ashley Giles, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said in the statement:
“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.”
“Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future,” he further added.
Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted to Ben Stokes’ decision
New Zealand All-rounder Jimmy Anderson wished Ben Stokes ‘all the best’. He further wrote, “Probably a timely reminder that, no matter how resilient or ‘mentally tough’, the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone for many different reasons. Be a little kinder to each other”.
Wishing @benstokes38 all the best for his time away from the game. Probably a timely reminder that, no matter how resilient or ‘mentally tough’, the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone for many different reasons. Be a little kinder to each other 🙂
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 30, 2021
Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and Bengal’s wicket-keeper batsmen lauded Ben Stokes for putting his mental health first. Monty wrote:
“Very brave @benstokes38 putting his mental health first. Another reminder to look after yourself and self-love is so important. Love to see him back playing in the near future #BenStokes #ENGvIND #TheHundred”
Very brave @benstokes38 putting his mental health first. Another reminder to look after yourself and self love is so important. Love to see him back playing in the near future #BenStokes #ENGvIND #TheHundred
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) July 30, 2021
With Ben Stokes & other athletes/cricketers now taking breaks for #mentalhealth & their well-being (rightly so) I wonder if any of us in india would ever dare to speak up,kyuki “log kya kahenge”(how will people react).In fact this is still a taboo in 🇮🇳 to talk about it.
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) July 31, 2021
Ben Stokes withdrawing from the test series is big news. Virtually impossible to replace. So many elite sportspeople getting affected.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 30, 2021
Omg,didn't see that coming.I remember my best friend @mukundabhinav speak about it. Recently @imVkohli spoke about this being something very real in covid times
Quarantining and bubble life isn't easy . I promise you. Looks easy because of the luxury , but the battle is within https://t.co/e3JxGlQ1vE
— DK (@DineshKarthik) July 30, 2021
I commend Ben Stokes for his bravery in opening up. One of the hardest things for any sportsperson is to admit they’re struggling. 👈🏻 That is courage. #BenStokes
— Fabian Cowdrey (@fkcowdrey) July 30, 2021
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