Ben Stokes apologises to team-mates ahead of Test return
Ben Stokes apologized to his team-mates before returning as England captain for the third test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were made unavailable for the second Test, which ended in a 253-run defeat, and an investigation into the breach of the team’s midnight curfew and an incident at a London nightclub following England’s victory in the series opener was suspended.
Both players were recalled to the XI for the third Test, which starts on Thursday, after being found not guilty of “violent conduct” by the Regulator of Cricket.
However, at a disciplinary hearing by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), they were found to have “breached contractual obligations” and received a written warning.
Joe Root captained the team in Stokes’ absence, while Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox and James Rew made their debuts in a much-changed team.
Asked if he had apologized to his team-mates, Stokes said: “That was one of the first things I had to do as captain.”
“When you look at a situation, it affects more than just me. It affects Joe, it affects the team, it affects people outside of the game environment.
“There is no doubt that it had an impact on the players making their debuts. This should have been all about them but unfortunately a situation beyond their control got in the way of the big day when they made their debut in Test cricket for England.”
“It would be foolish and naive of me not to acknowledge that and not address that. And that’s something you have to do as someone who has the responsibility of being a leader within a group.”
“It’s all well and good when everything is going well, but you also have to take responsibility for things. If you’re the one who has to take responsibility for that, you have to be big enough and man enough to carry it on your shoulders, look everyone in the eye, and apologize however you have to. That’s what I did.”
