Joe Root lauds Ben Stokes for opening up on psychological well being struggles – Sometimes it is OK to not be OK

Ben Stokes is at present main England within the three-match Test collection towards Dean Elgar’s South Africa. The Three Lions are trailing the collection 0-1.

Sometimes it is OK to not be OK: Root lauds Stokes for opening up on psychological well being struggles. Courtesy: AP

HIGHLIGHTSBen Stokes is at present main England within the Test collection towards South AfricaBen Stokes not too long ago opened up on his psychological well being strugglesEarlier this 12 months, Stokes changed Joe Root as England’s Test skipper

Former England Test skipper Joe Root heaped reward on present captain Ben Stokes for the latter’s current feedback on psychological well being. The final two years have seen Stokes undergo plenty of turmoil, particularly after his father, Ged, handed away as a result of mind most cancers again in 2020.

During that 12 months, Stokes went again house to be along with his household. Later in 2021, Stokes took an indefinite break from cricket. During this whereas, he additionally suffered plenty of panic assaults.

Stokes additionally had apprehensions about representing the Three Lions once more when he was on a break. Root, who gave up England’s Test captaincy after the tour of West Indies, mentioned that it’s okay for individuals to undergo powerful instances.

“It’s quite powerful for people to see sometimes it’s OK not to be OK. It shows great leadership to put yourself out there and express some of the difficulties he’s gone through,” Root was quoted as saying on BBC Sport.

“It’s very powerful for anyone watching to see someone who at times looks superhuman and can do things that other players can’t do,” he said.

“You forget how much he has been through in such a short space of time. Hopefully, if there are people out there struggling or finding things difficult, they can gain the courage to ask for that help,” Root added.

Stokes was one of many key members of the England staff that received the 2019 World Cup by defeating New Zealand within the remaining. Thereafter, he performed one of many biggest knocks within the fourth innings of a Test match to assist England beat Australia within the Ashes at Headingley in Leeds.

“I’m very fortunate that I have experienced them with one of our greatest ever players and a good mate of mine,” Root mentioned.

“You enjoy the good moments and help each other through the difficult times as well. That’s one of the most powerful things about sport. You can create those kinds of relationships, memories and experiences,” he added.

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