Sporting community praises Stokes for mental health break

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The sporting community reacted in wholesome support for England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who is taking an indefinite break from the sport to focus on his "mental wellbeing".

The time away from cricket will also help Stokes rest his left index finger, which was operated on in April and hasn't fully healed since his return earlier this month.

The talismanic all-rounder is set to miss the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India, with Craig Overton being named as his replacement.

BREAKING: England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/lcQSAMYUGt
— ICC (@ICC) July 30, 2021

Ashley Giles, the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, praised Stokes for showing courage to open up about mental health. It was a sentiment matched by prominent names from across the world cricket as well as other sports.

A compilation of a few of them below:

Wishing @benstokes38 all the best for his time away from the game. Probably a timely reminder that, no matter how resilient or ‘mentally tough’, the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone for many different reasons. Be a little kinder to each other :)
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 30, 2021

Omg,didn't see that coming.I remember my best friend @mukundabhinav speak about it. Recently @imVkohli spoke about this being something very real in covid times

Quarantining and bubble life isn't easy . I promise you. Looks easy because of the luxury , but the battle is within https://t.co/e3JxGlQ1vE
— DK (@DineshKarthik) July 30, 2021

Thoughts with @benstokes38 , hope to see you back soon. Highlights the importance of mental health and well being of athletes, especially during these current times. https://t.co/3xhqMVETkl
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) July 30, 2021

Wishing @benstokes38 a speedy recovery. When our sporting heroes are brave and open up about their mental health problems it will help others realise that they are not alone with theirs. As we’ve seen over the last few days no one is invincible. Well played and good luck, Ben. https://t.co/tXPnsihINf
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 30, 2021

Ben Stokes withdrawing from the test series is big news. Virtually impossible to replace. So many elite sportspeople getting affected.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 30, 2021

Very brave @benstokes38 putting his mental health first. Another reminder to look after yourself and self love is so important. Love to see him back playing in the near future #BenStokes #ENGvIND #TheHundred
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) July 30, 2021

Already a hero, an even bigger one now 👑

Take care of yourself @benstokes38 🙏 pic.twitter.com/cHg6qvnX5F
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2021

More power to you, Ben. We're with you. 💗 https://t.co/WOdBIbZOgl
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) July 30, 2021

Beat wishes to Ben Stokes. I hope his mental health issues get sorted out as quickly as possible and without any criticism.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 30, 2021