Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, is neither backing nor withdrawing support for England’s Test captain Ben Stokes in the aftermath of Stokes and Gus Atkinson breaching the midnight curfew and getting involved in an altercation with Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa in a Chelsea nightclub, which resulted in England’s security liaison James Shaw requiring stitches.
No decision on Ben Stokes the captain
Stokes and Atkinson were both under investigation and were withdrawn from England’s Test squad for the second New Zealand Test at The Oval. Key has made it clear that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) won’t take any rash decisions regarding Stokes, with rumours of him stepping down or the ECB sacking him both emerging. Key will wait for things to play out before making a decision.
“We’re just trying to make sure he’s all right and doesn’t rush to any rash decisions. We’ve not given him any ultimatums; we’re just speaking to him all the time to make sure he is all right. It’s been a traumatic time for him. When things are like that, you don’t want to make any decisions. Time is our ally. Don’t underestimate how tough the last 6 months have been on Ben Stokes. I’m not saying that (about sacking Stokes). At this point in time, it has not crossed my mind to get that far ahead,” Key said in a common interaction.
The former English cricketer is left disappointed with Stokes, considering the captain had convinced Key to mend his and head coach Brendon McCullum‘s ways after the trainwreck of an Ashes tour in Australia. Now, Key must decide whether Stokes can be trusted again.
“The first thing on Monday morning was a sinking feeling, then disbelief and anger. I’m not sure I’m over all of that now. There is so much work that Ben and I have put in, so much time spent on the phone – the overriding thing was shock that it was Ben involved. (With) Brendon, we’ve been through a hell of a lot over the last six months, and I’ve seen a coach who has evolved dramatically.
In terms of whether Ben can captain again, we’ve just got to let that play out. The decision as I look forward is about what’s best for the team and what’s best for Ben. It’s not just about what’s happened on Sunday night. It’s about the best thing moving forward, and that’s where we need the time because that’s a big decision,” he added.
Gus Atkinson unaware of curfew
Key dropped the bombshell that Atkinson wasn’t even aware of the curfew rules, despite the protocols coming into place in January. How the fast bowler didn’t know of its existence casts a lot of doubt over Stokes and McCullum’s management. One can’t forget that Atkinson was on the night out with Stokes himself.
“We have spent a lot of time over the past few months trying to make sure what we’re portraying to the public, we’re going to regain their trust. We haven’t done that with what’s happened here, which is such a shame. All the things we have been working on, every single thing, within the dressing room and within that side, and all the work we’ve tried to do to reconnect the game – it feels like we’ve just been smashed in the face with that. That is incredibly frustrating.”
The protocols were brought in in January. It’s been spoken about internally and externally. Gus Atkinson says he didn’t know. Ben Stokes and I have spent three months working through a lot of things on how we improve the culture, performance, and everything with this team. He’s been an integral part,” Key added.
ECB to place alcohol ban?
The managing director is now contemplating a blanket ban on alcohol during matches and camps. Stokes flaunting the protocol he himself agreed upon doesn’t sit right. Key now wonders whether the restrictions were enough. Perhaps the ECB needs to up the ante. Key will discuss the matter with other stakeholders before taking the final decision.
“We don’t want our players out late at night in alcohol-related incidents. Everything we’ve looked at so far, and everything we’ve found out, it looks like they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They weren’t aggressive or anything and, actually, it looks like they were on the receiving end of what looks like some pretty poor behaviour from other people.
What I believe, and I’m trying to give myself a bit of time, is do we need to look at whether they (the protocols) have been strict enough? Even when they win a game of cricket, is it now a time when there’s just no alcohol at any time, at any stage? I need to think through these things because I don’t want to make a rash decision that hinders the team and creates a situation where they don’t feel they can do anything. But the players now have to show the public they can be trusted. At this point it’s hard to say they can,” Key concluded.
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