England pacer Olly Stone is set to return home following the conclusion of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan, where he will be replaced by other pace options for the remaining two Tests in the three-match series.
Reason behind Olly Stone’s departure
This decision comes as Stone prepares for his wedding to fiancée Jess. Stone has made a notable return to Test cricket, having taken seven wickets in two matches against Sri Lanka earlier this summer. However, his wedding plans were arranged well before his selection for the Pakistan tour.
The England management, including coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key, have expressed their support for Stone’s decision to prioritize this personal milestone.
“We booked the wedding on the basis of me only playing for Notts at the time,” Stone recently told the BBC, as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Jess said she was happy to move the wedding and I was adamant on keeping it where it was if possible. For what she has given up and sacrificed for me, I thought the least I could do was to try and make it work,” he added.
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Olly Stone’s international career
Stone’s international career began with his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka on October 10, 2018. He has also represented England in Test and T20 formats.
Tests: Stone has played 5 Test matches, where he has taken 17 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/29. He made his Test debut against Ireland on July 24, 2019.
ODIs: He has appeared in 9 ODIs, claiming 5 wickets, with his best figures being 3/60.
T20Is: Stone played his only T20 International match against Pakistan on September 25, 2022.
However, for the ongoing first Test versus Pakistan, he failed to make a cut in the final XI.
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