England’s Ben Stokes to miss remainder of Pakistan Test series

MANCHESTER: England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the remaining two Test matches against Pakistan after withdrawing from the squad for family reasons.

According to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), “Stokes will leave the UK later this week and travel to New Zealand. He will miss England’s two Test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl starting on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August.”

The statement said, “The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with the Stokes family, requests that all media respects the family’s privacy at this time.”

Stokes’ father Ged – a former rugby league international – underwent three operations and spent 37 days in hospital, with his conditions initially described as “critical” before it stabilised.

He has since continued his recovery in New Zealand. Despite his father’s health problems, Stokes was named player of the series in England’s 3-1 Test series win over South Africa.

His absence will likely add to England’s selection headaches for the rest of the series. On the other hand, England had included Ollie Robinson in the squad for the second Test against Pakistan.

It is pertinent to mention here that England currently leads Pakistan 1-0 in the three-Test series after claiming a three-wicket win at Old Trafford in Manchester.