England Star Ben Stokes Taking Indefinite Break Over 'Mental Well-Being'

England's Ben Stokes is to take an indefinite break from all forms of cricket to "prioritise his mental well-being", the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Friday, with the all-rounder the

The ECB said they fully supported Stokes' decision and would continue to help him during his time away from the game, with their managing director of men's cricket, Ashley Giles, saying: "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 of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this."

Stokes's decision comes just days after American superstar gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Olympics to protect her mental health. The 24-year-old struggles followed those of Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, another face of the Games who lost in the third round on her return from a mental health break.

Osaka withdrew from the French Open after refusing to take part in press conferences, claiming they are akin to "kicking people when they are down". She also skipped Wimbledon before returning in Tokyo where she lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony.