Silverwood likely to reconsider Stokes’ decision for T20 World Cup

England coach Chris Silverwood has revealed that all-rounder Ben Stokes’ participation in the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, will be decided at the last minute. Stokes, 30, has withdrawn from England’s Test squad for the ongoing series against India, stating that he will take a “indefinite hiatus” from cricket to focus on his mental health.

Stokes missed England’s home Test series against New Zealand in June due to a finger injury, but he returned to competitive play later that month to command a second-string ODI side ahead of schedule.

Silverwood stated that he did not want to hurry Stokes back into action until he was fully prepared. Silverwood explained, “I haven’t spoken to him yet because I want to give him as much space as possible. I’m not going to put any pressure on him or rush him, and he’ll get whatever help he needs. My first concern is for him and ensuring that he is safe.”

From October 17 to November 14, the T20 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. England will be without fast bowler Jofra Archer, who has an elbow injury and will be out until next year. On Thursday, the team will name its 15-man tournament lineup. After losing the Oval Test by a big margin, England is under a lot of pressure to tie up the series with India.

England, which is 1-2 down in the five-match series against India at home, will go to Australia for the high-octane Ashes series. According to sources, the squad will be announced later this month.