BEN £50K FLOOD RELIEF PLEDGE

FROM DEAN WILSON in Islamabad

BEN STOKES has taken the lead as England captain in Pakistan by donating £50,000 towards the flood relief appeal. Stokes (left) has pledged his entire fee from the threematch series to the appeal, launched in response to the devastating floods which hit Pakistan earlier this year.

The

England T20 squad also donated during their September series and sponsors Bank Alfalah gave cash for every six hit.

This, though, is a personal move by Stokes who wanted to use his position as the first England Test captain to lead his side in this country for 17 years to support the relief effort.

The floods, which followed torrential monsoon rains, left at least 1,700 dead and forced nearly eight million people from their homes.

Stokes said: “The floods were very sad to see and have had a significant impact on the country and the people.

“The game has given me a lot and I feel it is only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket.

“I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan flood appeal. Hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas most affected by the floods.”

Other England players may yet also support the appeal, especially those who missed the T20 series.