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England Men’s Cricket Director Rob Key has urged patience following the disciplinary incident involving Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Key said that the ECB will not make any hasty decisions about Stokes’ future as captain while the formal investigation into the nightclub altercation continues.
The off-field controversy took place in London after the first Test between England and New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. England secured a 115-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin at the Kennington Oval in London on Wednesday, June 17.
We’ve Got to Run the Investigation – Rob Key Reacts to Ben Stokes-Gus Atkinson Incident
Speaking at the Oval on Thursday, Rob Key admitted that he was shocked to learn that Ben Stokes was involved in the late-night incident. The England Men’s Cricket Director said that the investigation must be completed before any decision is made about Stokes’ future as captain.
“The overriding [emotion] was shock that it was Ben involved in this,” Key said. “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.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday that Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. Former captain Joe Root will lead England at the Kennington Oval in Stokes’ absence.
There’s a Hell of a Lot of Anger – Rob Key on Ben Stokes Controversy
Rob Key admitted that he is still angry about the incident involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Key said that the priority is to complete the investigation and ensure the right decision is made for both the team and Stokes.
“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,” Key said. “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 much as anything. There’s no need to rush to anything.”
The Players Have to Show the Public They Can Be Trusted – Rob Key on England’s Discipline Standards
Rob Key stated that England may review their current team rules following the latest controversy. He added that the management must consider whether stricter policies, including tighter restrictions on alcohol during tours, are needed to prevent similar incidents.
“Do we need to look at, actually, have they [the rules] been strict enough?” Key said. “Even when they win a game of cricket, is it now a time when there’s just no alcohol at any time and 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.”
Stokes became England’s Test captain in 2022 after succeeding Joe Root. He has led the team to 24 wins in 43 Tests, although England recently suffered a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia.
