Why isn’t Ben Stokes playing for England in T20 World Cup and will he play in this year’s Ashes?

ENGLAND are in the United Arab Emirates for the T20 World Cup, but they’re without the man who inspired their 2019 Cricket World Cup win.

Ben Stokes almost single-handedly got England over the line in their Super Over victory at Lords two years ago.

PABen Stokes will not be playing in the T20 World Cup[/caption]

But he is currently not involved with England and has not been named in the squad for the big tournament.

Why isn’t Ben Stokes playing for England in the T20 World Cup?

Ben Stokes announced in July that he would take an indefinite break from cricket in order to focus on his mental health and rest his injured finger.

England director of cricket Ashley Giles said: “Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing.

“Our primary focus has always been, and will continue to be, the mental health and welfare of all our people.

“The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment but the pandemic has compounded this.

PAIt is also increasingly doubtful that Stokes will return for the Ashes[/caption]

“Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging.

“The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the past 16 months has had a major impact on everyone’s wellbeing.

“Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future.”

In August 2020, Stokes travelled back to New Zealand to be with his dad Jed, who passed away with brain cancer in December that year.

When will Ben Stokes return?

Ben Stokes will return for England to play in the Ashes.

The ECB announced the decision on Monday, October 25.

Stokes said: “I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted.

“I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.”

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Ashley Giles, added: “Following a very successful operation on his finger and several conversations over the last few weeks between Ben and I, our medical staff and his management team, Ben called me to say he was ready to return to cricket and was excited about the prospect of playing a significant role in the Ashes series.

“Time and time again, Ben has demonstrated how important he is to the England team and having him available for the Ashes series is excellent news for all of us and, in particular, Chris (Silverwood), Joe (Root) and the rest of the players.

“Having not played for some time, we will move forward cautiously over the next few weeks to ensure he is fully prepared across all facets of his game.

“Ahead of a very busy period of cricket, we continue to remain mindful of the stresses on all our personnel, and our primary focus continues to be the wellbeing of all of our players and support staff.”