Withdrawal and well being

One of the features of this year’s sport has been the withdrawal from participation by elite sportswomen and sportsmen.

Naomi Osaka was followed by Simone Biles and the latest is Ben Stokes.

Generally the media attitude is sympathetic. Gone are the days when Frank Bruno was cruelly mocked by the tabloids.

As ever The Rust  takes an alternative view on Stokes, namely that he has let his team and his sport down.

Cricket’s authorities have been indulgent to Stokes.

As a youngster he once had to be sent home from a tour.

He was found not guilty after the night club incident in Bristol but the international career of the other player accused – Alex Hales – was effectively ended.

Stokes was earmarked to take over the captaincy after the Ashes.

And does he presume he will walk back into the team when it suits him even if say Liam Livingstone, Ollie Robinson or Chris Woakes have a successful series against India? This announcement could not have come at a worse time with injuries to Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer

The one person who is prepared to be tough with him and put the team first is T20 captain Eoin Morgan.

There are some talented white ball youngsters coming along like Livingstone, Phil Salt and Tom Banton and if they establish themselves I can see Morgan refusing to select Stokes.

Then there is the media attention should Stokes appear for any of the Indian Tests.

One hopes he will be asked to stay away.