LONDON: England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to meet his advisers on Wednesday to decide his future amid growing speculation that he may retire from international cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given Stokes time to consider his options following the nightclub incident after the first Test against New Zealand, which has prompted an investigation by the ECB and the cricket regulator.
Stokes and fellow England cricketer Gus Atkinson were reportedly involved in an altercation with Saracens rugby player Totoa Awuah after defying the team’s curfew.
The incident left England’s defense chief needing stitches and has raised renewed concerns about behavior and culture within the England set-up, despite earlier pledges to improve standards following several off-field controversies over the winter.
The ECB is expected to take disciplinary action against both players for breaching the team code of conduct, with officials keen to allow Stokes to make his own decision about his future.
Concerns over the England captain’s possible retirement prompted an emergency ECB executive committee meeting on Tuesday morning.
At the time, there were strong indications that Stokes had grown frustrated and was contemplating an end to his illustrious 15-year international career.
Reports suggest that communication between Stokes and the ECB has soured, with some fearing his decision could be learned through a post on social media.
While retirement is a possibility, there is a growing belief that Stokes has backed away from taking such a drastic decision.
The 35-year-old is expected to meet his long-term agent Neil Fairbrother, a former England and Lancashire batsman, to discuss his next move.
Having reportedly been offered the chance to resign on Monday, Stokes could choose to step down as captain while continuing to play until his central contract expires in 2027, which runs beyond the next Ashes series.
Another option under consideration is to relinquish the captaincy and take an indefinite break from the game.
For now, both Stokes and Atkinson are expected to face suspensions and fines, which could see them miss the remainder of the New Zealand Test series.
The second Test is set to start on June 17 at the Kia Oval and the ECB is expected to name its squad before Friday regardless of whether Stokes has made a decision on his future.
Sources indicate that Stokes is in relatively good spirits, although he is said to regret his late exit and is worried about the impact the incident could have on his teammates.
Despite admitting his own responsibility for the situation, he is also believed to be dissatisfied with aspects of the ECB’s handling of the matter.