Leach Says England Back Stokes Over Mental Health Break
Muhammad Rameez Published July 31, 2021 | 11:15 PM
England spinner Jack Leach insisted on Saturday the whole squad are behind teammate Ben Stokes after it was announced the all-rounder would take an "indefinite break from all cricket".
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2021 ) :England spinner Jack Leach insisted on Saturday the whole squad are behind teammate Ben Stokes after it was announced the all-rounder would take an "indefinite break from all cricket".
Stokes, the latest high-profile sports star to step away from the pressure of international competition, withdrew on Friday from England's squad ahead of a five-match series against India starting at Trent Bridge next week.
The England and Wales Cricket board said the 30-year-old World Cup winner was also stepping aside to rest his left index finger.
"All the lads are behind Ben and supporting him where we can," said Leach who starred with Stokes in a memorable Ashes win at Headingley in 2019.
"He has shown courage and bravery to prioritise his mental health. He is a focal part of our team and we will miss him.
"His priority is to take some time out from the game to get better.
We can't wait to welcome him back in the near future and winning games of cricket for England." Stokes, whose father Ged died in December, rushed back from injury to lead England in a one-day international series against Pakistan earlier this month after all those originally selected were ruled out by a coronavirus outbreak within the hosts' camp.
Somerset's Craig Overton has replaced the Durham all-rounder, with no timeframe put on his potential return.
Stokes' decision came just days after American superstar gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Olympics to also protect her mental health.
The 24-year-old's struggles followed those of Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, another face of the Games who lost in the third round on her return from a mental health break, having withdrawn from the French Open and skipped Wimbledon saying she had been battling depression and anxiety.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SIU arrests robbery gang targeting bank customers
Asia Cricket Week from April 28
PSA World C'ships in May
Food Safety Authority raids hospitals' canteen across KP
US Fed's favored inflation measure accelerates in March
Kenya flood death toll since March climbs to 70: govt
Rafiq-ul-Hujajj Committee to organize 2nd training session for pilgrims in Abbot ..
Defence Minister leads Pakistan's delegation to Kazakhstan SCO moot
PRCS Chairman, Moroccan envoy discuss humanitarian relations
50pc cut in subsidy of BRT service likely: CM’s aide
Russia striking Ukraine railways to 'paralyse' army cargo: Ukraine source
Cop, suspected outlaw injured in police encounter
More Stories From Sports
-
Asia Cricket Week from April 28
38 minutes ago -
Spanish football federation appoints Rocha as president
3 hours ago -
Father, son killed in firing
6 hours ago -
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
10 hours ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
14 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
20 hours ago
-
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
21 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
23 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
23 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
23 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
23 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
23 hours ago