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Rob Key considers a full alcohol ban after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke curfew for a nightclub visit, says no rash decision will be made on Stokes Test captaincy amid probe
England skipper Ben Stokes (AFP)
The nightclub controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson has forced Rob Key, Director of Cricket of the England men’s team, to consider a complete alcohol ban. He also addressed the matter of Stokes’ sacking as England’s Test captain, assuring that no ‘rash decisions’ will be made.
Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson ditched the team curfew, imposed on the players in January earlier this year, and visited a nightclub after England’s victory over New Zealand at The Lord’s. They were allegedly involved in an altercation with a rugby player during the early hours of Monday morning. The rugby player reportedly attempted to punch Atkinson but instead struck a security official, who required stitches.
The incident sparked an uproar in the ECB, with reports stating that the board might sack Stokes from his post. However, Key said none of the decisions will be made in anger.
“I’m trying to give myself a bit of time,” Key said while speaking at the Oval on Thursday. “I had that sinking feeling when I found out that you just can’t speak for a few minutes, then you’ve got to start. Then a range of emotions where I was incredibly angry, and still am. Same with Brendon [McCullum, the head coach].”
Rob was shocked by Stokes’ involvement in the controversy. He said nothing has been decided over Stokes’ captaincy future as the investigation is still underway.
“We’ve got to run the investigation, find out what happened exactly. I think the decision is about what’s best for the team and what’s best for Ben as well. It’s not just about what happened on Sunday night; it’s about the best thing moving forward. We need time, because that’s a big decision.”
“I think the first thing you think when you hear this is there’s a hell of a lot of anger, and I’m not sure I’m over that as yet. And you don’t want to make decisions when you’re feeling like that.”
“But I also have a huge amount of concern for Ben. At the moment, everything that we’re speaking to him about, he seems like he’s fine. But for the moment, we let the process play out, don’t make any rushed decisions. And we mean that for him as well as anything. There’s no need to rush to anything,” he added.
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