Ben Stokes should not be sacked as England Test captain, says Michael Vaughan
The episode was an unwelcome controversy for the ECB following a dismal 4-1 Ashes tour in Australia that sparked off-field controversy.
As a result of late-night drinking incidents involving Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Ben Duckett, all England players and staff were placed under a midnight curfew.
Captain Stokes breached the ban on his first appearance for England since the lockdown came into force. Despite the completion of the 115-run tour over New Zealand at Lord’s, the curfew was still in place on Sunday evening.
In a statement published on Monday evening, the ECB said it was “investigating the breach of team protocols”. The statement confirmed that all-rounder Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson broke the curfew by being at the nightclub until the early hours.
It later emerged that the security guard had been shot by Saracens player Avuaa. Staff were covered in blood and needed medical treatment.
If Stokes is replaced as England captain, either temporarily or permanently, Test vice-captain Brook will be the candidate to replace him.
This poses a problem for the ECB as Brook was also involved in a nightclub incident in October.
The 27-year-old was hit by a bouncer at the Wellington club the night before leading England in the one-day international against New Zealand.
When details of the incident emerged in January, the ECB said Brook was given a final warning over his behavior and fined. The fine was initially thought to be £30,000, but suggestions were later made that it could be as much as £50,000.
Bethell and Tongue were also present in Wellington. All three men were investigated by the Regulator; Brook and Bethell were warned and no action was taken against Tongue.
“The problem for ECB chairman Richard Gould and director of cricket Rob Key is the precedent-setting mishandling of the situation at the Brook,” said Vaughan, who is also an expert on the BBC’s Test Match Special.
“They allowed him to continue as captain, they silenced it and by being so lenient they put themselves in a position to take a hard line against any minor breaches of team rules in the future.
“They hit Brook with a fine, not a penalty. A fine is nothing to these kids. So if the top management allows the team to get away with a lot, don’t be surprised if it happens again.”
