England to make late decision over Ben Stokes' inclusion in T20 World Cup squad

The T20 World Cup 2021 will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from 17 October to 14 November. England is expected to name their squad for the mega event on Thursday. Ahead of the tournament, there were rounds of discussions on the inclusion of all-rounder Ben Stokes in the side.

According to recent reports, Stokes is likely to miss the World Cup. England might make changes to their squad after the announcement but it will be done only in case of injuries. The team will also be missing the services of pacer Jofra Archer who will be out until the start of next year owing to an elbow injury.

However, England’s head coach Chris Silverwood has stated that the decision on Ben Stokes’ involvement in the T20 World Cup will be taken as late as possible. He also added that he will be not putting any pressure on the all-rounder and that he will be provided with all the support he needs.

“I’ll be putting no pressure on him or rushing him, and whatever support he needs he will get. I will give him as much space as I can, but there are people talking to him. My only concern is for him. I just want to make sure he’s OK. Once we’ve got to that, the rest of the questions will come,” said Chris Silverwood as reported by BBC Sport.

Ben Stokes might be absent from England’s T20 World Cup squad

Ben Stokes is not part of the ongoing five-match Test series against India. One of the most important players for England, Stokes took a break from cricket as he wanted to concentrate on his mental health and was also dealing with a serious finger injury. He will also miss the second leg of the IPL in the UAE. West Indies pacer Oshane Thomas has been roped in as his replacement in the Rajasthan Royals’ squad.

“Whether he does travel to Dubai to feature in England’s attempts to unite both global white-ball belts next month is unclear, although sources close to Stokes say ‘he is not even thinking about cricket at the moment,” said a report by the Daily Mail.

England is expected to name their squad for the World Cup on September 9, a day before the start of the final Test against India at Manchester. Thus Stokes’ inclusion in the squad is unlikely. However, as pointed by the head coach, the team will take the decision on him as late as possible.