Sports Desk: Dhaka, Jul-31,

England allrounder Ben Stokes announced an “indefinite break from all forms of cricket” with an immediate effect. It means that the allrounder will not be available for the home series against India starting next week.

England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement about the same on Friday. “Stokes wants to prioritize his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month,” the statement reads. “The ECB fully supports Ben’s decision, and we will continue to help him during this period away from the game.”

Stokes broke the finger in the Indian Premier League in April and returned home for an operation. It also ruled him out of England’s test series against New Zealand in June and the following limited-overs series against Sri Lanka.

But when the England squad had to isolate because of a virus outbreak, Stokes accepted an emergency call to captain England in a one-day international series against Pakistan this month. After winning the series, he stepped back from England duty again.

“Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing,” ECB managing director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles said in a statement.

“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,” he added. He also said that Stokes can take as much time as he needs. Stokes will be replaced in the squad by Somerset’s Craig Overton.

The 30-year old left-handed batsman and right-handed fast bowler represented England in 101 ODIs, 71 Tests and 34 T20Is. He was England’s main weapon to win the World Cup 2019 at home. Stokes has 13 centuries and 45 half-centuries in international cricket with 256 wickets.

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