ENG vs PAK: Ben Stokes to not feature in remaining two Test matches

England’s premier all-rounder, Ben Stokes, will not feature in the remaining two Tests against Pakistan for family reasons. The cricketer will leave the UK to visit his native country New Zealand later in this week. He will not play in the next two scheduled matches at the Ageas Bowl.

Stokes’ father Ged, was hospitalised in December 2019 in South Africa during England’s tour and has since been taking rest in Christchurch, New Zealand. England Cricket Board issued the official statement on the all-rounder’s absence.

Official Statement: Ben Stokes

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 9, 2020

Stokes captained England in the first Test against West Indies which was the first international cricket match after a break due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the three-match series, Stokes finished as the leading run-getter with 363 runs in five innings that included a century and a fifty. He also claimed nine wickets in four bowling stints. He did not enjoy such success against Pakistan in the first Test, although England did end up winning the match.

The second Test of the three-match series will be played at the Ageas Bowl from August 13.