England’s Test captain Joe Root is wholeheartedly behind his team’s premier all-rounder and friend Ben Stokes’ call to opt for an indefinite break in order to resolve a mental health issue.
Root says he just wants Stokes to be fine while he strives to overcome an inner battle, adding that the cricketer can take as much time as he wants before making himself available for England again.
Stokes went on a hiatus from the game on July 30. The England and Wales Cricket Board revealed that the cricketer has been dealing with mental health concerns and is also yet to fully recover from a finger injury, which he had picked up in early May while playing the IPL 2021.
With Stokes not available, England head into the much-anticipated India Test series without their premier all-rounder. But captain Root said, having given his team the priority for so long, it’s time Stokes gives himself the due attention as well.
“From my point of view, I just want my friend to be OK. Anyone who knows Ben, he always puts other people first. Now is an opportunity for him to put himself first, to take time to look after himself and get to a good place again.”
“He’s got my full support on that and he’s been assured he’s got the full support of the ECB. And certainly, he’s got the whole team’s support. More than anything, we just want Ben to be OK. He’s got everyone behind him,”
Root was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Root also said cricket shall be a “secondary thought” at this stage for Stokes, who “should take as much time as he needs” before getting back on the park. Further, the England skipper mentioned he has had conversations with the player, adding that it’s important for people to respect Stokes’ privacy in this period.
