‘He earned his right’: Michael Vaughan’s powerful message amid Ben Stokes captaincy crisis

Englishman Ben Stokes (Photo AP) Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Ben Stokes to remain England captain despite the controversy that led to his exclusion from the second Test against New Zealand.Stokes has been left out of the England squad for the ongoing Test at The Oval after breaching the team’s curfew after the series opener at Lord’s. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson was also recalled after both players breached the midnight protocol set by the England and Wales Cricket Board.The incident sparked intense debate over Stokes’ future, with speculation ranging from a possible resignation as captain to a retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old man has not yet publicly commented on the matter.Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, Vaughan acknowledged that Stokes had made a serious mistake, but insisted the all-rounder deserved the opportunity to continue leading England because of all he had contributed to the national side.“I think Ben Stokes has done so much for English cricket: he’s screwed up, he knows it,” Vaughan said.The former England captain admitted that the situation reflected badly on the team, especially as the breach involved the captain himself.“We all know he screwed up and it’s a terrible sight for the team when the captain breaks protocol.However, Vaughan also questioned whether the ECB could consider a longer-term departure from Stokes as leader.“But there’s something in me that wonders if the ECB has sort of disappeared: ‘OK, is it time to move Ben Stokes out of the way?’Despite those concerns, Vaughan has made it clear he hopes Stokes will get another chance.“I hope not. If anyone has earned the right to return as captain of this team, it’s Ben Stokes.”The ECB’s decision to suspend Stokes and Atkinson came after a night out in London which reportedly ended in a confrontation with Saracens rugby player Toto Auvao.Vaughan backed Stokes’ return while praising the ECB for acting decisively once the incident emerged.“I actually think they handled it really well this week,” Vaughan said, referring to the ECB.“They got it into the public domain quickly.Vaughan acknowledged that tackling the issue would be particularly difficult for England chief executive Rob Key, who has spent recent months working closely with Stokes to improve the team’s standards and culture.“I don’t think it’s going to be easy for Rob Key (England chief executive) to deal with because he’s been working with Ben for three or four months on this protocol to make sure the culture is a bit better.”At the same time, Vaughan felt that disciplinary action was inevitable.“I think they had to suspend him.With Stokes unavailable and questions over his future lingering, Joe Root has stepped in as England captain for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval.