Two former England captains have said Ben Stokes should be supported rather than punished after the controversy that followed the Lord’s Test, suggesting the real issue is how he is coping with the demands of leadership.
The background
The row grew when England gave the captaincy to Joe Root, rather than vice-captain Harry Brook, for the second Test. England went into that match after an innings-and-115-run win in the series opener at Lord’s.
Hussain’s view
Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, Nasser Hussain said Stokes will feel he let people down and be somewhat embarrassed. He observed that Stokes looked exhausted even before the summer began and that four years as captain can take a huge toll. Hussain said nothing hits a cricketer harder than losing form, and that Stokes has given England a great deal as player and captain. He felt Stokes got this one badly wrong but did not see it as a sackable offence, and hoped he would not consider walking away from the game.
Atherton’s view
Mike Atherton agreed that the episode should not lead to a resignation or dismissal. He said captaining England is extremely demanding and that history suggests four years is often the limit before the pressure shows. He had already felt Stokes looked like someone carrying the burden of the job for four years, and said the question is no longer whether he stays as captain but how he is coping mentally.
Both believe Stokes’ future will depend more on his mindset and handling of pressure than on one controversial decision.
