England Star all-rounder and vice-captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the remaining Test series against Pakistan due to the family reasons. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday confirmed his exclusion from rest of the matches of the series.
“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 ECB said in a statement.
Stokes was a part of the England side that defeated Pakistan in the first Test match by 3 wickets at the Old Trafford. They also took a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against the Pakistan side.
Apparently, Stokes’s father Deb Stokes has been ill since December last year. Stokes’ parents live in New Zealand and he will leave his team mates by the end of this week for travelling to the Christ Church. But his father’s illness is not the exact reason but a personal family reason.
The 29-year old is expected to join the side before the limited-overs series against Pakistan later this month. The remaining two tests will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
