ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Chris Silverwood Not Sure Of Ben Stokes' Participation For England
Updated - 07 Sep 2021, 10:27 PM
England head coach Chris Silverwood is unsure on star all-rounder Ben Stokes‘ inclusion in England’s squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 which will start next month.
On July 30, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Stokes will take an indefinite break from the game with immediate effect to prioritise his mental health concerns and spend time with his family.
Stokes was subsequently ruled out of the Test series against India with his last international appearance was made against Pakistan in a three-match ODI series, where he captained the team after the core players were isolated amid COVID-19 tensions in the England camp.
My only concern for Ben Stokes is I want to make sure he is Ok: Chris Silverwood
Silverwood, who has been very sensitive on the Stokes matter, reiterated that he won’t rush for Stokes and wants him to be comfortable before reaching any decision.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet, I’m giving him as much space as I can, but there are people talking to him outside of me. I will be putting no pressure on him, I will not be rushing him, and whatever support he needs he will get,” Silverwood said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“We will leave that one until later, obviously whatever support Ben needs he will get from us.
“My only concern is for him, I want to make sure he is OK. Once I get to that, the rest of the questions will come, but first and foremost I need to make sure he is Ok,” he added.
Ben Stokes was ruled out of IPL 2021 with a finger injury
Stokes suffered a finger injury during IPL 2021 which ruled him out of the T20 tournament for Rajasthan Royals. While his England teammate Jos Buttler, will miss the remaining part of IPL in UAE because of the birth of his second child.
Teams need to submit their initial squad list to ICC for T20 World Cup before September 10, amendments can be made until October 10.
