Welcome to Twenty Two Yards, a weekly newsletter celebrating cricket's culture and characters.

In this issue:

• Dropped by India, Prithvi Shaw is thriving in the UK

• Ben Stokes is back

• Catch 2 Questions with Ravi Shastri

The Rise, Fall and Rise of Prithvi Shaw

By Angus Wilson

Prithvi Shaw's brief cameo in English County cricket should remind Indian cricket fans that their golden child is still golden.

It's been a turbulent few years for Shaw. After having one of the most impressive youth careers cricket has ever seen being:

• Scoring 546 runs at 14 years old

• Debut centuries in the Ranji and Duleep Trophies (a feat only the great Sachin Tendulkar has achieved)

• India U19 captain and U19 World Cup winner (averaging 65 with the bat)

• Debut Test century vs. West Indies (India's youngest-ever debut centurion)

• Bought by Delhi Daredevils for 1.2 Crores (US $188,760)

But what goes up, as proven by Oppenheimer's good friend - Albert Einstein - must come down - India dropped Shaw across all formats.

When news broke of Prithvi being involved in a violent altercation with 'fans' earlier this year - his story took a new low. A sign his country had lost patience with him? The fans weren't getting what they wanted? Demanded?

It's sad to see the 23-year-old shunned by his country and left with seemingly little support despite doing so much for his country and the sport they love.

So it was a welcome sight to witness him display his talents in the English County game with Northamptonshire - with his coach John Sadler labelling him a "Superstar" after recording scores of 244 and 125* in the One-Day Cup. He has more records and accolades to add to his list. The Prithvi of old. Given the space to express himself and let his bat do the talking.

Despite his stint in England being cut short due to Ligament damage when in the field - his performances in England will provide a stark reminder to his fellow countrymen and women that the talent and timing are still there. And with the proper support, they can again see their golden child shine and deliver for his country.

Ben Stokes is Back

By Ollie Goodwin

Like some sort of cricketing Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ben Stokes has returned from the dead. Ripped ODI rags, his metal knee hanging out, grunting and flexing as he wallops another ball into the atmosphere. Red electronic eyes zoned in on every delivery, his bat swinging and fluctuating. "He's gaining on us!" they scream as he rips and slices his way through bowlers, launching another into the stands. It's good to have you back, Ben. The terminator of cricket, England's terminator.

A man of action
Even as his body falls apart around him, nobody in the world wouldn't want this man on their side. The 32-year-old all-rounder averages a whopping 38.98 with the bat in ODI cricket and a strike rate of 95.08, putting him ahead of a certain Virat Kholi. But the thing that sets Ben Stokes apart is the manner of his runs. Devastating, clinical and always in the clutch.

The more pressure, the better Stokes plays. His catalogue of incredible last-gasp efforts is a living testament to this man's unbelievable grit, determination and refusal to give up on any cause presented. The noise surrounding his injuries continues to buzz, and the inevitable questions on fitness rear up. Who wouldn't want him, even running at 50% on one leg?

The very best
This was always going to happen, wasn't it? Could this be a smoke and mirrors ploy from England? Will Broad play the next test match with Moeen opening the batting?

An individual obsessed with the challenge and big occasions. The ODI World Cup is likely the most streamed sporting event in world history. Stokes always needed to be there. If you think I'm wrong, go away, watch the 2019 final, come back and tell me seriously you don't want him there. England have never had a cricketer quite like him. The very best. So, for now, welcome back, Ben.

The Slip Corden

• Battle in the Bronx
  The fight continues in NYC over a potential cricket stadium. Wilfred Chen covers the battle in the Bronx between the mayor and local cricketers fighting to keep their fields.
  

• Asia Cup is finally here

  India and Pakistan finally hit the field on Saturday in the Asia Cup. Rohit Sharma is trying to play down the rivalry, but after months of negotiating the schedule, that’s impossible. Fans should be thrilled it's actually happening.

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Issue: Former Indian Star is Back and so is Stokes
Publisher: J. LaLonde
Editor-At-Large: Angus Wilson
Contributing Writer: David Scipione
Contributing Writer: Ollie Goodwin
Illustration: Sidney Secolo