Ben Stokes Withdraws From England Squad
England all-rounder and regular saver of the day, Ben Stokes has stated that he withdraws from the test squad. He will play no further part in the Test match summer. He will fly to Christchurch, New Zealand to be with his family and more particularly his father who is suffering from illness.
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The 29-year-old Durham CCC man will miss the remainder of the Test match summer series with Pakistan as he flies back to the place of his birth.
The news will come as a big blow to England, who following their epic win yesterday, earned a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
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Stokes has made a now typical monumental impact on the field this summer, helping the side to a series win over the West Indies. This, whilst standing in as captain for Joe Root, who was away on father duties, for the opening Test of the Windies series.
In Stokes’ absence, England will need to re-balance their team. As a result, Zak Crawley could find his way back in the starting eleven, with Joe Root slotting in at number four. This would mean a straight swap for Ben Stokes.
Jimmy Anderson could also make way, along with Ben Stokes. This could result in Sam Curran coming back into the test team. Either way, England will look to keep their successful five bowler policy for the rest of the summer. England will secure the series with a win at the Ageas Bowl.
It is believed the vice-captain informed his team-mates that he would have to support them from the other side of the world as he leaves the bio-secure bubble and flies to Christchurch, where his parents reside.
Stokes’ father Ged fell ill during England’s tour of South Africa and was only deemed fit enough to travel back to New Zealand at the end of that tour. He has since to continued his rehab over the past seven months. But, it is now believed Ben wishes to support the family from closer proximity.
An Understandable Leave
Whilst his reasons are wholly understandable there is no doubt his absence will damage England’s chances on the field going forward. The all-rounder has become so important with bat and ball. Stokes will also be sorry to leave his team-mates. However, undoubtedly he is doing the right thing, as family takes priority over the sport, regardless of the level.
Stokes isn’t the only England player with family illness on his mind, but yet still finding the mental strength to perform. Jos Buttler played a crucial knock as part of England’s first Test victory over Pakistan, with thoughts on his dad in hospital, that he was able to focus and make a huge difference to the team at Old Trafford with such distractions.
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