Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have both argued that Ben Stokes should not have been sacked as Test captain following his involvement in an off-field incident.
Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, Atherton drew a clear distinction between different types of disciplinary infractions and their context, saying the situation did not necessarily warrant resignation or dismissal. He also suggested that the demands of the England captaincy would take a significant toll over time.
Atherton noted that four years is often the limit for Test captaincy in the modern game, with the role increasingly diminished regardless of the individual. Stokes looked physically and mentally exhausted, which he said reflected the immense pressure of leadership.
“I don’t think it’s a resignation offence, and I don’t think it’s a sacking offence, precisely because of the essential difference with Brooke, who walked out before a one-day match, this after a Test match win,” Atherton said.
“Captains before Stokes in recent times have been limited to four years. I think whoever you are, it’s a job,” he added.
Atherton said he sensed early signs of leadership fatigue after years in charge, mirroring Stokes’ behavior before the first Test against New Zealand. He insisted that the broader conversation should focus on Stokes’ state of mind rather than any disciplinary matter.
“I had a kind of intuition before (the first Test against New Zealand) that he looked like a man who had been in the job for four years.
“For Ben Stokes, although I don’t think it’s a resignation or a sacking, the main thing is his mindset after four years in the job. It’s been part of the conversation for the last two or three days, no doubt.”
Nasser Hussain echoed those sentiments, saying Stokes would be disappointed and humiliated by the incident. He admitted the England captain had “made a mistake” but insisted he should not be removed from his role.
Hussain pointed to the heavy weight of player leadership, which can affect performance, while also highlighting Stokes’ significant contribution to England in key matches and key moments.
“He was tired and nervous – before a ball dropped this summer, I saw a man who had worn four years of captaincy,” Hussain said.
“It weighs on you and on top of that, you add form – there’s nothing harder as a cricketer than losing your form. Ben Stokes has been a lot for England. He’s been a captain, he’s been a player in great moments – 50-over World Cups, T20 World Cups. He’s a warrior for England.”
The 58-year-old insisted that even if Stokes made a big mistake, it should not be seen as the end of his leadership.
“He’s got it wrong this time. He’s got it very wrong, but I don’t think it’s a sackable offence. Ben is in a dark place at the moment and I hope Ben doesn’t think, ‘I’ve let a lot of people down that I’m going to retire’.”
Meanwhile, Stokes was dropped alongside Gus Atkinson in England’s 15-man squad for the Test series against New Zealand, which was announced earlier today.
He now faces an uncertain future after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) gave him time to consider his options following an altercation with Saracens rugby player Todoa Auwa in a nightclub.
The ECB is expected to take disciplinary action against both players for breaching team protocol, while officials are keen to let Stokes make his own decision about his future as captain.