Ben stokes mental health

Ben Stokes takes indefinite break from cricket to focus on mental health

Ben Stokes has pulled out of the India Test series to take an indefinite break from cricket.

The star all rounder has taken the decision to leave the game for a time in order to prioritise his mental well-being following several years of emotional highs and lows.

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The ECB said the allrounder will take time out of the game to focus on his mental wellbeing, as well as allowing more time for recovery from a finger injury.

Craig Overton will replace Stokes in the squad for the first two Tests against India, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge and Lord’s from August 6.

Stokes also needs to further look after his left index finger which continues to cause him huge amounts of pain despite having healed after surgery.

It is though the need to step away from the game ahead of the biggest contest of the summer that will stun cricket fans who had hoped to see the 30-year-old back in whites for the first time since the winter.