I needed a break after dad’s diagnosis: Stokes
BEN Stokes has admitted his “head wasn’t really in” England’s recent Test series with Pakistan after it was revealed his father Ged is suffering from brain cancer.
Stokes left for New Zealand — where his father and mother Deb live — after the first Test win over Pakistan earlier this month, with the England and Wales Cricket Board saying it was down to “family reasons”.
The precise reason behind Stokes’ departure was not made public at the time, but his father has told the New Zealand Herald that he was diagnosed with brain cancer in January.
“I didn’t sleep for a week and my head wasn’t really in it,” England vice-captain Stokes said of his last Test appearance.
“Leaving (the team) was the right choice from a mental point of view.”
Stokes senior, a former New Zealand rugby league player, was admitted to hospital in Johannesburg ahead of England’s Boxing Day Test with South Africa.
It was said at the time that he had suffered a brain bleed which required surgery, and the cancer diagnosis was made on his return to New Zealand.
Speaking about his father, Stokes said: “He was tough (on me). But as I got older I realised it was all for a reason.
“He knew I wanted to be a professional sportsman and he was drilling that into me as I started to make a career in cricket.
“His reputation sort of speaks for itself. You speak to anyone who knows him, played with him or worked with him, they’d all say the same thing.
“Most people acquire a softer side with age and sometimes with dad that has been quite weird to see.
“What he’s going through has brought that side out as well — we all knew he had it, he just didn’t show it that often.”
Stokes senior (64), speaking about his diagnosis, said: “They had to assess how I travelled (to South Africa) and from that they discovered that I had a couple of tumours on my brain as well.
“So, basically brain cancer. How that came about nobody knows but obviously I’ve had a few bangs on my head through my life so that’s probably contributed to it.”
Meanwhile, Tom Banton demonstrated his full range of power and innovation in a sparkling 71 off 42 balls but the inclement weather had the final say yet again as England’s first Twenty20 international against Pakistan was abandoned, the latest in a string of meetings between the two to fall foul of the weather.
Replacing the injured Jason Roy at the top of the order, Banton was dropped on five before he proceeded to punish Pakistan’s bowlers with four fours and five sixes, featuring some lusty hitting and unorthodox scoops.
His departure marked the start of England losing four wickets for 14 runs in 19 balls but the heavens opened at a gloomy Emirates Old Trafford, with the players disappearing for good after only 16.1 overs of play were possible.
It was hoped a shortened runchase would take place once the rain relented but the umpires deemed the outfield too wet, leading to the opener in this three-match series being called off at around 9pm.
Banton’s maiden T20 international half-century was the cornerstone of England’s 131 for six as the 21-year-old showed off the skills he has displayed in various domestic sprint format competitions around the world.