Silverwood to make late decision on Stokes' involvement in T20 World Cup

England all-rounder Stokes has taken an indefinite break from all cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger.

Stokes last played a competitive cricket match for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition in July.

England coach Chris Silverwood said he will make a late decision on all-rounder Ben Stokes' involvement in the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month.

Stokes, 30, withdrew from England's Test squad for the series against India after saying he would take an "indefinite break" from cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

Having struggled with a finger injury, Stokes missed England's home Test series against New Zealand in June but briefly returned to competitive action ahead of schedule later that month to captain a second-string ODI side.

Silverwood said he did not want to rush Stokes back into action before he was ready.

READ |

"I haven't spoken to him just yet because I want to give him as much space as possible," Silverwood said.

"But I will not be putting pressure on him or rushing him, and whatever support he needs he will get. First and foremost, my only concern is for him and making sure he is okay."

The T20 World Cup will take place in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

England will be without fast bowler Jofra Archer, who is out until next year with an elbow injury. The side will name its 15-man squad for the tournament on Thursday.