Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are being investigated by ECB for breaking curfew and getting into bar brawl.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has come out in support of Ben Stokes after he was left out of the England squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which left the future of the all-rounder in doubt.
The all-rounder's choice to violate the team's curfew has proven costly, and the repercussions from the nightclub scandal have only increased the pressure surrounding him.
The ECB is currently looking into Stokes and Gus Atkinson for allegedly violating England's midnight curfew after the squad won the first Test at Lord's. At a time when accountability and discipline are being rigorously scrutinized, the incident has drawn criticism and put both players squarely in the limelight.
For the second Test match against New Zealand, Joe Root will serve as England's acting captain due to Stokes' unavailability, bringing yet another major twist to an already tumultuous time for the team.
Former captain Nasser Hussain has supported the all-rounder Stokes, who is under heavy scrutiny after the nightclub incident and his absence from England's second Test match against New Zealand.
Hussain argued that despite the present criticism, Stokes' accomplishments for the national team should not be disregarded, citing his long history of service and game-winning efforts for England.
"Ben Stokes has been there for England a lot. He's been there as a captain, he's been there as a player at their finest moments - 50 over World Cups, T20 World Cups,” Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
While acknowledging the gravity of Stokes' acts, Hussain refrained from advocating for more severe punishment. He acknowledged that the England captain had made a serious error, but he maintained that his career shouldn't be defined by it.
"He's been a warrior for England, and he got it wrong this time - he got it horribly wrong. I don't think that is a sackable offence. Ben will be in a dark place at the moment. I just hope Ben doesn't think 'I've let so many people down that I'm going to retire. I'm going to make an emotional decision and retire', because I think that would be a really sad way [to end] for one of England's greats," he added.
He ended with a heartfelt plea, stating that a player of Stokes' caliber should have a much better conclusion than one molded by controversy and remorse.
"One of England's greats should not go out like that. I think he deserves better. I do feel a bit sad if this was the last we saw of Ben Stokes - I really hope it's not," he concluded.