Ben Stokes’ father Ged diagnosed with brain cancer
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 told the Weekend Herald about 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.
Official Statement: Ben Stokes
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 9, 2020
“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 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.”
Latest
-
NewsNine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
NewsLabuschagne disappointment after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside debutant Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
NewsJoe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
NewsJoe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
NewsEngland captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
NewsJoe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
NewsHeather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
NewsStuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.