LONDON: England will not suppress the all-rounder stalls of Stokes to cut their mental health breaks and help them try and return to level requirements with India in their continuous test series, chief coach Chris Silverwood said on Tuesday.
Silverwood spoke a day after India made a thrilling victory in the second test in God to go 1-0 in the five matches.
Stokes announced at the end of July he took “unlimited breaks from all cricketes with direct effects” because of stressful role as one of the highest stars in the UK.
Silverwood said it was the case of waiting for Stokes to approach him when he felt ready to return to the commotion.
Apart from the Indian series, England faced a busy winter schedule.
They have two T20 matches in Pakistan in October, the T20 World Cup – which was held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman – Seri Abu Five tests in Australia and the three-test series in West Indies.
“No, there is no encouragement from my point of view,” Silverwood said.
“I don’t think you can push with these problems.” I will wait and there will be an element waiting for him to come to me to tell me that he is ready.
“Stokes missed the British test series to New Zealand in June due to injury, but returned to the team captain one day to the 3-0 win victory over Pakistan last month.
Silverwood said the decision had to lie with Stokes and his family when he felt good to go again.
“There is no time limit on it,” said Silverwood.
“I will emphasize the important thing is that Ben is okay, his family is fine and he returns strong and, when he enters the frame, he is ready to enter his mind to come back and appear for England as we know he can.
“I certainly don’t push it for an answer and I don’t think it will be the right thing to do.” There were people around him supporting him and, when he was ready to return, we would welcome him with open weapons, but until then he would get all the support he needed.
“England will give their squad name for the third test next week in Headingley on Wednesday, with Pace Bowler Mark Wood rated by medical staff due to a shoulder injury.