Xtra Time Web Desk: England Head Coach Chris Silverwood on Tuesday said the team management will not put any pressure on all rounder Ben Stokes to cut short his mental health break. Stokes missed the first two test matches against India in the ongoing series after he announced at the end of July he was taking “an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect” because of the stress of his role as one of England’s most high-profile stars.
“No, there is no pushing from my point of view,” said Silverwood in a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
He added, “I don’t think you can push with these issues. I will wait and there will be an element of waiting for him to come to me to let me know he is ready.”
Stokes missed England’s Test series loss to New Zealand in June due to injury, but returned to captain the one-day team to a 3-0 series win over Pakistan last month.
Silverwood said the decision has to lie with Stokes and his family as to when he feels he is good to go again.
“There is no time limit on it,” said Silverwood.
“I would stress again the important thing is Ben is okay, his family is okay and that he comes back strong and, when he re-enters the frame, he is ready in his mind to come back and perform for England like we know he can.
“I am certainly not pushing him for an answer and I don’t think that would be the right thing to do.
“There are people around him supporting him and, when he is ready to come back in, we will welcome him with open arms, but until then he will get all the support he needs.”
England are due to name their squad for next week’s third Test at Headingley on Wednesday.