ENG vs NZ, 1st Test: England all-rounder Ben Stokes could well step down as as the Test captain following an ‘undisclosed incident’ at the nightclub as the England Cricket Board (ECB) have found there have been breach of protocols, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson also involved. However, there have also been rumours that the all-rounder could also announce his international retirement following this incident.
ENG vs NZ: Is Ben Stokes retiring from international cricket?
While there have been strong indications from the English media that the seam-bowling all-rounder is set to relinquish the captaincy, TalkSport has also speculated that Stokes could also call it quits from the international arena. Nevertheless, there has been no such hints from the board or any other player surrounding the same. Given the Durham all-rounder’s form, especially with the bat, in the last one year or so, there have been questions whether he is a guaranteed starter in the XI if he wasn’t captain. Despite the 115-run win over New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in what was the first Test of the summer, Stokes’ failure with the bat was there to see. While the veteran took a wicket, all he managed was 12 runs and was bowled by a nothing ball by Nathan Smith in the second innings.
With the second Test against the Black Caps beginning on June 17 at Kia The Oval in London, the hosts could well name a new captain for the same. They are also likely to delay the naming of the squad for the second Test.
ENG vs NZ: How successful has been Ben Stokes as Test captain?
It was since the 35-year-old became captain that England started the ‘Bazball’ style of play that entails playing aggressively. The Englishmen are yet to lose a home series under Stokes, while registering away series victories over New Zealand and Pakistan. But sandwiched between those have also been defeats in Australia, India and Pakistan. The 4-1 Ashes series earlier this year hurt England the most as they let Australia off the leash from plenty of promising positions and the hosts were quick to cash on it.
Australia notably didn’t have Pat Cummins for four Tests and Josh Hazlewood for the entire series due to injuries. But the Baggy Greens found a way to win and retain the urn.
