England all-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from the India Test series is taking an indefinite break from all cricket, the ECB said on Friday.
The ECB, in a statement, said that Stokes has taken a break to prioritise his mental well-being and give rest to his left index finger which has not healed fully after he underwent an operation following an injury in the Indian Premier League.
The ECB has said that it fully supports Stokes' decision and will give him as much time as he needs away from the game and will continue to help him during this period.
"Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and well-being," Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, said in the 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.
"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."
Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton has been named Stokes' replacement in the England squad for the India series.
The ECB also requested privacy for Stokes and his family during this phase.
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