Olly Stone, the English fast bowler, will depart from England’s tour of Pakistan on Wednesday to attend his wedding this weekend. His return date remains uncertain, making his availability for the second Test doubtful.
Stone’s departure was initially planned for after the first Test, but he has been granted an early release due to his wedding on Saturday. The 29-year-old has been a key member of England’s Test squad since his return to the side in the summer, taking seven wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka.
However, Brydon Carse was preferred as England’s high-pace option for the first Test in Multan, which began on Monday. This has allowed Stone to return home earlier than expected.
The date of Stone’s return is unclear and will depend on the fitness of England’s other fast bowlers after the first Test. With a tight turnaround between his wedding and the second Test on Tuesday, it is unlikely that he will be available for selection.
Carse, Gus Atkinson, and Chris Woakes are the three seamers selected for the first Test, with Matthew Potts as the reserve fast bowler.
England’s management has expressed their support for Stone’s decision to leave Pakistan, considering that he was not included in the latest batch of central contracts and that his wedding was planned before his recall.
Stone had previously discussed his wedding plans with England’s managing director, Rob Key, and coach, Brendon McCullum, who agreed to his request to attend his wedding.
“We booked the wedding on the basis of me only playing for Notts at the time,” Stone told the BBC. “Jess said she was happy to move the wedding, but 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.”
In the past, players have made significant sacrifices to prioritize their cricket careers. Tony Pigott postponed his wedding to play his only Test for England in 1984. More recently, contracted players have rescheduled weddings due to clashes. Joe Root, England’s Test captain, revealed that he and his wife, Carrie, had rearranged their wedding three times due to tours.
Root expressed his support for Stone’s decision, saying, “It’s a special time in anyone’s life. I’m really excited for him. I’m sure he is all over the place with everything that’s going on, but it’ll be very special for him – and his wife – starting a different chapter in his life. We’ll all be raising a cold water to him at some point, celebrating.”
