England’s all rounder Ben Stokes will miss the remaining test matches in the ongoing series against Pakistan due to family reasons. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the news on Sunday.
England are the first country to host a test series during the Corona pandemic. The team has so far played four tests this summer. After losing the first test against West Indies, the hosts were able to overturn the deficit and win the series 2-1.
Ben Stokes is a very important player in this England’s side. The 29-year-old will fly to New Zealand later this week. Various reports suggest he is going to be with his ill father, Ged Stokes and his family.
A statement from the ECB said: “He will miss England’s two Test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with the Stokes family, requests that all media respects the family’s privacy at this time.”
Ged Stokes is a former rugdby player for New Zealand. However, he was hospitalised days ahead of England’s Boxing Day Test against South Africa in December last year in Johannesburg.
After that, he was cleared to return to New Zealand and continued his recovery.
Ben Stokes- Match Winner for England
Ben Stokes is a very important player for England across all three formats. The southpaw managed to score a vital 75 during the chase against Pakistan.
This helped England clinch a thrilling first test against Pakistan at Manchester last week. However, his unavailability will be a huge blow for the home side. Pakistan looked like destined to win the first game but somehow they faltered.
The upcoming two test matches will be played in Southampton over the next two weeks.
The importance of Ben Stokes is very high in the team. He is arguably the best all rounder in the game at the moment. He has produced some scintillating innings with his bat across all formats.
Stokes is a cornerstone to the success of England in recent years. It will be very tough for any player to replace him in the team. Meanwhile, in the absence of Ben Stokes, Sussex bowler Ollie Robinson has linked up to join the team.
