The England and Wales Cricket Board is considering a complete ban on alcohol for players on international duty following an incident that led to Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being dropped for the second Test against New Zealand. The pair broke a midnight curfew and were allegedly involved in a fight at a Chelsea nightclub, though they are not thought to have been active participants.
Rob Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket, admitted it is hard to say players can be trusted to behave responsibly. He said the players were 'in the wrong place at the wrong time' and on the receiving end of poor behaviour. The curfew was imposed after the Ashes and is part of new player protocols communicated orally and formally to the Team England Player Partnership.
Atkinson claims he was unaware of the curfew, but Stokes was involved in the decision to impose it. Key expressed shock that Stokes was involved. Stokes's future as captain and player remains uncertain, with Key stating the ECB needs time to investigate and decide what is best for the team and the player.
Key denied an unhealthy drinking culture during the Ashes but now questions whether regulations have been strict enough. He said players must show the public they can be trusted, adding, 'At this point it's hard to say they can.' He acknowledged the ECB's efforts to regain public trust have been undermined by the incident.
Joe Root has been appointed interim Test captain in Stokes's absence, rather than vice-captain Harry Brook. Key said Brook's own nightclub incident last November was not the main factor, and that Root is the man to 'dig us out of a hole'. He praised Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum as one of the most successful partnerships, insisting the team's success should not be overshadowed.
