Ben Stokes takes an indefinite break from cricket to make mental health a ‘priority’ Cricket News – Times of India

London: England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes Took an indefinite break from the game to “prioritize his mental well-being” and withdrew from the home Test series against India from 4 August.
In a statement, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also said that Stokes has also taken a break to rest his left index finger, “which has not fully recovered since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month”.
Players have been playing in bio-bubbles for months and the mental health of cricketers has become a topic of constant discussion in the times of Kovid.

England’s men’s cricket managing director Ashley Giles said the ECB supports Stokes’ decision.
Giles, a former England spinner, said: “Ben has shown tremendous courage to speak openly about his feelings and well-being. Our primary focus has always been on the mental health and well-being of all of our people.”
He said that being in a safe environment for months has affected the players.
“The demands on our athletes to prepare and play specific sports in a specific environment are relentless, but the ongoing pandemic has exacerbated this acutely.”

“It is extremely challenging to spend significant amounts of time away from family with the least amount of independence.
“The cumulative effect of nearly continuous operation in these environments over the past 16 months has had a major impact on everyone’s well-being.”
Giles said that all the time will be given to Stokes to get back to his best shape, both physically and mentally.
“Ben will be given as long as he is needed and we look forward to seeing him play for England in the future,” he added.
Craig Overton has been included in place of Stokes in England’s squad for the India series. Stokes’ return is a major setback for England, who lost the series in India in February-March to New Zealand at home last month.
Players have been playing in bio-bubbles for months and the mental health of cricketers has become a topic of constant discussion in the times of Kovid.
Ahead of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand last month, India captain Virat Kohli had made it clear that mental health management would become a norm if cricket continues to be played in a bio-bubble, in which players “play the game”. “Disconnect from” requires a brake. “.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is another notable name who has spoken at length about the need to address mental health issues after taking a break from the game in 2019.