England all-rounder Ben Stokes remembered his father Gerard Stokes in an Instagram post ahead of the first Test match of the Ashes series. Stokes had lost his father last year on December 8 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Stokes, in an emotional note for his late father, wrote that he wasn't sure of walking back to the cricket field ever again a few months ago. He added that his father is going to be with him this whole week.
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The all-rounder had taken a mental health break from cricket and he's making a comeback with the Ashes 2021-22. "I wasn't sure if I would ever walk out onto a field ever again a few months ago, I find it amazing that when I do walk out tomorrow I'll be remembering you exactly 1 year on since you left us....You are gonna be with me this whole week," he wrote.
Ben Stokes always made his father a part of his cricket. His famous 'folded finger' celebration after reaching a milestone was dedicated to him.
The 30-year-old's father, Gerard had to get a part of his middle finger chopped so he could continue playing rugby league as he couldn’t afford to stop for an operation.
Here is the post:
