Joe Root told Ben Stokes to forget about the England cricket team and look after himself this summer during a heart to heart between friends.
Root might be captain and Stokes vice-captain of the Test team, but their relationship runs far deeper than that and cricket comes second.
The skipper cut an emotional figure ahead of the first Test against India, explaining how Stokes’ well-being was the most important thing, and that England would cope without him even if the side was severely weakened.
“From my point of view, I just want my friend to be OK,” said Root. “I had a conversation with Ben and that’s when I found out.
“The call will stay between the two of us but for me it was hard to see a friend like that. More than anything I just want him to be okay and I’ll be there for him as much as he wants.
“Anyone who knows Ben, knows he always puts other people in front of himself. Now is an opportunity for him to put himself first, to take time to look after himself and get to a good place again.
“Hopefully that can be sooner rather than later. Cricket has to be a secondary thought, a long way down the line, and he should take as much time as he needs.”
After missing the previous Ashes Down Under, Stokes has long wanted to be a part of the next tour this winter, to support Root as best he can, but it is clear that the captain will not be interested in taking his all rounder unless he is fit in mind, body and spirit.
Whether other players, including Root make the trip in any case with so much uncertainty surrounding quarantine rules and the possibility of families joining the tour also remains to be seen.
Root added: “Until we know the lay of the land is, until we know the scenario, it’s very hard to make any sort of decision.
“We are still very passionate about Ashes cricket, we know our responsibilities as players.
“Going and playing in Australia, having the opportunity for England, to lift that urn, is one thing you dream about from being four or five years old, but we have to be very honest about things.”
