LONDON: England's talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes is taking an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect "to prioritise his mental wellbeing," according to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The break, which will see Stokes miss the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India, has also been taken "to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month," according to the statement.

England Men's Cricket Managing Director Ashley Giles said the all-rounder "has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing.

Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and well-being of all of our people. In a typical environment, the demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this."

"Spending significant amounts of time away from family while having few liberties is extremely difficult.

The cumulative effect of almost continuous operation in these environments over the last 16 months has had a significant impact on everyone's well-being.

Ben will be given as much time as he needs, and we hope to see him play cricket for England in the future."

Craig Overton has been named as his replacement for the India Test series.

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency