Former England captain Michael Vaughan has supported Ben Stokes Remains England captain despite controversial suspension from second Test against New Zealand.Stokes was left out of the England squad for the ongoing Test at The Oval after violating the team’s curfew after the series opener at Lord’s. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson was also dismissed after both players breached the midnight protocol set by the England and Wales Cricket Board.The incident has sparked intense debate about Stokes’ future, with speculation ranging from a possible resignation as captain to retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old has yet to speak publicly on the matter.Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, Vaughan admitted that Stokes had made a serious mistake but insisted that the all-rounder deserves the chance to continue leading England because of what he has done in the national team.“I think Ben Stokes has done a lot for English cricket: he screwed up, he knows,” Vaughan said.The former England captain admitted that the situation reflected badly on the team, especially as the captain himself was involved in the breach.“We all know he screwed up and it looks terrible for the team when the captain breaks protocol.”However, Vaughn also questioned whether the ECB could consider stepping away from Stokes as leader.“But there’s something in me that just wonders if the ECB has kind of gone: ‘Okay, is it time to get Ben Stokes out of the way?'”Despite these concerns, Vaughan made it clear that he hoped Stokes would be given another chance.“I hope not. If there is anyone who has earned the right to return as captain of this team, it is Ben Stokes.”The ECB’s decision to suspend Stokes and Atkinson came after a night out in London that reportedly ended in a brawl between Saracens rugby player Totuwa Awa.While supporting Stokes’ return, Vaughn praised the ECB for acting decisively after the incident came to light.“I actually think they handled it pretty well this week,” Vaughan said, referring to the ECB.“They’ve gotten it into the public domain pretty quickly.”Vaughan admitted it would have been particularly difficult for England managing director Rob Key to handle, having spent recent months working closely with Stokes to improve the quality and culture of the team.“I don’t think it would have been easy for Rob Key. [England’s managing director] To deal with that because he’s been working with Ben for three or four months on the protocol to make sure the culture is a little 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 continuing, Joe Root Has stepped into England’s captaincy for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval.
