Ben Stokes, the 35-year-old former England captain, has admitted that cricket has a drinking culture, but claims the England team does not have a problem with alcohol.
Stokes made the comments in an interview with the For the Love of Cricket podcast. He stated, "I think cricket has a drinking culture and that hasn't changed." He added that the England team does not have a drinking problem, saying, "No, that is such an extreme thing to put on a team."
The comments come after a series of off-field incidents involving the England team, including a nightclub incident in London involving Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson. As a result, a midnight curfew was introduced, with players advised to avoid drinking alcohol on the day before and the day after matches.
Stokes has been open about his own relationship with alcohol, stating that he had learned to manage his behavior with it. He said, "I think it can be a problem. I don't know what you do to change it." Stokes also spoke about his decision to retire from international cricket in June, saying he wanted to "stay within the game" and become a coach.
Stokes has expressed surprise at Harry Brook not replacing him as England Test captain, saying, "I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him?" Brook was promoted to Test vice-captain for last winter's Ashes tour. Stokes had backed Brook to succeed him in the role.
The comments from Stokes highlight the ongoing issue of drinking culture in cricket. The England team has faced criticism for its off-field behavior in recent years, including a string of poor results and several off-field incidents involving players.
Stokes has also spoken about his decision to retire from international cricket, saying he wanted to focus on his coaching career. He is currently doing his level three coaching qualification and hopes to become a coach in the future.
The new England Test coach, Stephen Fleming, has been appointed to work with Joe Root, who has been given the Test captaincy permanently. Stokes has expressed his support for Root, saying, "I wish him nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain."
Stokes' comments on drinking culture in cricket are likely to spark further debate about the issue. The England team's behavior off the field has been under scrutiny in recent years, and it remains to be seen how the team will address the problem.
Stokes has ruled out a return to the England team, saying, "Definitely" when asked if he had retired. He has also expressed his support for Harry Brook, who he believes would make a good Test captain in the future.
Source: BBC Sports