Ben Stokes to Miss the Remainder of the Test Series Against Pakistan

Ben Stokes will not be part of the England team for the remainder of their test series against Pakistan. The all-rounder will be returning to New Zealand, to tend to a family matter. The all-rounder was nursing an injury, which meant he could bowl only in the second innings of the first test match.

Stokes’ parents reside in New Zealand and his father was hospitalised earlier in the year.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with the Stokes family, requests that all media respects the family’s privacy at this time,” an ECB statement said.

Stokes has been a central performer for England this summer, playing a starring role in the series against West Indies. Against Pakistan, he played as a batsman and received two almost unplayable balls by Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah. However, he contributed by picking up two critical wickets in the 2^nd innings as Pakistan looked to build their lead. England won by match eventually by seven wickets.

It is likely that England will replace the World Cup winner with Zack Crawley, who was dropped when Stokes was deemed unfit to bowl in the test against West Indies. Ollie Robinson has been added to the England squad for the second test, which starts on Thursday.