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No Rush On Deciding Stokes' Future As England Player, Considering Alcohol Ban, Says Rob Key

The Kia Oval: England mens managing director Rob Key said there is no rush to take a call on Ben Stokes future as an England player and remained non-committal about him being the captain, while adding that hes also considering enforcing a complete alcohol ban on the side. Stokes and Gus Atkinson were not made available for selection for the second Test against New Zealand, starting at The Kia Oval next week, after the pair were involved in a nightclub altercation in the early hours of Monday morning following the teams 115-run win in the series opener at Lords and broke a midnight curfew. The confrontation also featured Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa. Can Ben captain again? I think weve just got to let that play out. The decision, as I look forward, is about whats best for the team and whats best for Ben as well. I havent got an answer for that at the moment, to be honest. Its still very raw, certainly for Ben, Brendon (McCullum, head coach), myself, and the ECB. Ben has been through a range of emotions, as you would in this situation. A lot of people have had phone calls (where) youre just in disbelief, then you get angry. Theres a load of things, and Im still not sure Im over those at the moment. Time is probably the best thing for all of us. Nobody wants to make any rash decisions, whether thats on Bens side or the other end. Well take the next step when we get to that, Key told reporters in a press conference on Thursday. Asked specifically on Stokes future as Englands Test captain, Key replied, Im not saying that. At this point in time, it has not crossed my mind to get that far ahead. As far as sacking, or any of that stuff, we havent got anywhere close to being that far in the process. Further talking about contemplating banning alcohol in the national set-up, Key explained, Im trying to give myself a bit of time, but do we need to look and say, have they (the rules) actually been strict enough. Even when they win a game of cricket, is it now a time when theres just no alcohol at any time and at any stage? The players now have to show the public that they can be trusted. At this point, its hard to say they can. Its not just about the protocols; in the conditions of employment, there are several ways youre expected to behave as an England cricketer. We dont want our players out late at night in alcohol-related incidents. I dont think theyve become a national embarrassment. I think that Stokes and McCullum are (one of) the most successful coach and captain partnerships weve had. So I think thats far too strong a word. Its not just about the protocols; in the conditions of employment, there are several ways youre expected to behave as an England cricketer. We dont want our players out late at night in alcohol-related incidents. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We just thought this was too big a job at this stage for Harry to take on. Ultimately, when English crickets in a hole, Joe Root is the man that we ask to dig us out of it. Whether thats on the field or off the field. Were incredibly lucky to have him. And when I spoke to him about whether he would consider this, he didnt hesitate. Article Source: IANS