Ben Stokes: England allrounder to take ‘indefinite break’ from cricket to focus on his mental health

Stokes won’t play any part in the Test series with India as he prioritises his ‘mental wellbeing’

Ben Stokes will miss the Test series with India (PA)

England allrounder Ben Stokes is to take an “indefinite break” from all cricket with immediate effect, it has been confirmed.

The ECB have confirmed that Stokes has withdrawn from England's Test squad ahead of the Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

He will also rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.

Managing director of England men's cricket Ashley Giles said: "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.

"Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging. The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the last 16 months has had a major impact on everyone's wellbeing."

"Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future."

Stokes will be replaced in the squad by Somerset's Craig Overton.