Ben Stokes takes "indefinite break" from Cricket to improve mental well-being

In a huge setback and development for England cricket, all-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn his name from the Test series against India slated to begin on August 04. Ben Stokes were to return to the England Test side after missing out in the last home series against New Zealand.

As per the ECB statement, Stokes has withdrawn his name to “prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger”. He was included in the 17-man squad for the first two Tests of the series.

The Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, lauded Stokes’ “courage” to open up about his feelings and state of mind while reiterating the ECB has always emphasized the need to help players in maintaining mental well being.

"Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing,” Giles said.

Ben Stokes had returned to lead England ODI side against Pakistan and later he admitted the “ridiculous pain” he endured while playing the ODI series.

Stokes had injured his hand in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League earlier this year and the injury is yet to heal after he went through an operation.

The left-handed batsman's withdrawal from the big series against India will reignite the debate surrounding the mental health of players amid the Covid-19 pandemic and will complicate ECB’s planning and management for the Ashes series scheduled for the end of this year.