Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has said that removing Ben Stokesas England's Test captain would not be the right decision. Vaughan believes Stokes has earned significant credit for the work he has done since taking over the leadership role and feels the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) should acknowledge his contributions to the team's progress.
Stokes recently found himself in the spotlight after being involved in an altercation at a pub alongside teammate Gus Atkinson on the morning
of June 8. Following the incident, discussions emerged regarding his future as England's Test captain. However, Vaughan backed Stokes, insisting that a single off-field incident should not overshadow the impact he has had on English cricket.
“Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew. Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as England’s Test captain? I do not think so. Stokes has a lot of credit in the bank for all he has done for England as captain and all-rounder. There is no way that those making the big decisions at the England and Wales Cricket Board have the same credit in the bank,” wrote Vaughan in The Telegraph.
“We are now at the stage that they either put their necks on the block and say, “Right, we are sacking you for that offence” or they back him and move on. The ECB is hoping Stokes makes a decision on its behalf. But it has to be brave enough and strong enough to do what it thinks is right. If that is to sack him then fine, but I do not agree with that decision on this issue,” he added.
Former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara has also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Stokes, urging fans and experts alike to avoid rushing to judgment while the ECB investigation remains ongoing. Bopara emphasised the importance of allowing a fair and thorough process to take place before drawing conclusions, stating that all facts should be established before any decisions are made.
“I think it’s important that the right process is taken and we don’t jump to any conclusions, because that wouldn’t be fair on Ben (Stokes) or English cricket. Ben’s a huge figure for English cricket and with that comes huge responsibility, like any top-level sport or any elite player. Let’s just hope the correct process is taken and then everything comes to a conclusion,” Bopara said on Sky Cricket.
