"We Just Want Ben Stokes to be Okay" - James Anderson

James Anderson stood behind Ben Stokes’ decision to take some time away from the game in order to focus on his mental health and well-being. Just a week away from England’s significant 5-match Test series against India, primary all-rounder, Ben Stokes, withdrew from the squad by announcing an indefinite break from cricket.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic enforced bio-bubbles and quarantines, players need to constantly stay away from families. It takes a toll on them and they consequently decided to take breaks now and then. The latest case of Stokes has the backing from the cricketing fraternity. England teammate James Anderson came out in support of his colleague.

“I thought Joe was amazing with how he spoke and, the emotion he showed really speaks for the rest of the team. We just want Ben to be okay, we want him to get the help that he needs and comes back strong because he’s such a fantastic player for us.”

“The most important thing, he’s good mates with most of the guys here in the team, so we’re just concerned for his health more than anything and hope he’s alright,” 38-year-old Anderson said.

Joe Root states that Ben Stokes has full support from the England team

Earlier, England captain Joe Root had expressed his full support to Stokes. The two have played plenty of Tests together and share a wonderful camaraderie on-and-off the field. Speaking about the same, Root stated emotionally:

“I just want my friend to be okay. He’s one of my closest friends in the game. He has my full support and he has the whole team’s full support on that. It’s important he takes as long as he needs. This is an opportunity to be with his family and give himself the opportunity to feel like the best version of Ben Stokes.”

The withdrawal of Stokes raises concern for England in the middle-order. They already have an inexperienced and fragile batting line-up barring Root, and Stokes’ absence only compounds their misery. They have a lot to ponder over going into the Test series against India.