England player Ben Stokes is finally heading to the IPL from New Zealand, where he spent the past month and a half with his family ESPNcricinfo understands Stokes will land in Dubai, where the Royals are based , early Sunday
As per IPL’s Covid-19 protocol, Stokes will be subject to the mandatory six-day quarantine, including the removal of three tests, before he can connect with the Royals and be available for selection
On Saturday morning, Stokes posted a photo with his parents on Instagram, with a caption titled ‘Farewell is never easier’
In August, halfway through Pakistan’s test run, Stokes flew to New Zealand to hang out with his father Ged, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer Stokes got compassionate leave from the ECB and missed not only the last two tests and the limited part of the Pakistani series, but also the six-game white ball streak against Australia
Upon arrival in New Zealand, Stokes admitted that quitting the Pakistan series was the « right thing » he had done from a « mental » point of view
The Royals are yet to comment on Stokes joining the squad, but the franchise has maintained it will not rush England back and give it ‘as much time as he wants’ before let him be ready to play
« It’s a tough scenario, so we’re giving him as much time as he needs and connecting with him as best we can, » Royals head coach Andrew McDonald said. to ESPNcricinfo a few days before the start of the IPL
In Christchurch, Stokes prepared for his return to competitive cricket by training with Sydenham Cricket Club, the first cricket club he played in New Zealand « I was great to be in Christchurch where it all started, » he said in another Instagram post. « Thanks to Sydenham Cricket for allowing me to use their facilities to play »
Stokes’ arrival will bolster a slightly shaky middle order that is currently struggling to make sense With Steven Smith and Jos Buttler opening the baton, the Royals have had to rely on the relative inexperience of Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia in the order. lower middle, as well as out of form Robin Uthappa
Rajasthan Royals, Indian Premier League, Ben Stokes, England cricket team, United Arab Emirates, Royal Challengers Bangalore, cricket test
World news – UK – Ben Stokes expected to arrive in UAE for IPL 2020 with Rajasthan Royals