Ollie Pope says Ben Stokes decision shows how mentally tough elite sport is

  • Stokes has withdrawn from India series over mental wellbeing
  • Pope: ‘It’s sad but I think it’s a reminder to everyone’

Ollie Pope says the withdrawal of Ben Stokes for the Test series against India is a reminder of how mentally tough the demands of playing international sport are during a pandemic.

Stokes, England’s Test vice-captain and heartbeat of the team, has taken an indefinite break from cricket to protect his mental wellbeing and rest the left-index finger he fractured playing in the Indian Premier League in April. The all-rounder’s absence is a blow to England’s chances in the five-Test series against India that starts at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

Related: Ben Stokes takes indefinite break from cricket to ‘prioritise mental wellbeing’

Related: Jack Leach knows India series could secure his ticket to the Ashes

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Category: Mental Health