The left-handed opening batsman for the England Mark Stoneman has admitted this England team is determined to make their followers all over the world proud by being clean off the field in the wake of their star player Ben Stokes controversy.
Incidentally, Stokes was arrested and later released after allegedly causing bodily harm to a person after he got involved in a brawl in the streets of Bristol. Stokes was criticised all over the world for his alleged involvement which was captured on a CCTV and telecasted all around. Ben Stokes, who was initially included in the squad, has not taken the flight to Australia.
However, England head coach Trevor Bayliss has admitted that there won’t be a drinking ban on his players during the highly contested Ashes series goes on. He further mentioned that there wouldn’t be any curfew in place, but the players who seem matured are told to act responsibly keeping their country’s reputation in mind.
The 30-year-old cricketer said the players have resolved to behave properly on and off the field.
“Hopefully, we do justice to ourselves on the cricket pitch, but also people off the field as well, and conduct ourselves in a manner that everyone back home can be proud of. Obviously, recent events have cast a bit of a shadow on that. But it’s up to us to carry it forward and represent ourselves as well in a good fashion,” Stoneman was heard saying.
Many former cricketers including Steve Waugh and Kevin Pieterson believes that England will have a tough time without their star all-rounder Ben Stokes. Stokes has been a key player for the England team in the recent past in all the three departments. He has scored valuable runs, picked up wickets at crucial junctures and took important catches fielding at slip cordon.
However, the England players resonated to prove the doubters wrong.
Stoneman, however, believes that Stokes will be given a green signal to take part. He said,
“It’s very unfortunate the way things panned out. He’s a fantastic guy. It would be great if we could have him here at some point.”
England will kick-start their preparation with a two-day warm-up match against the Western Australia side at WACA starting this Saturday. Fast-bowler Steven Finn (jarred knee) and all-rounder Moeen Ali (side) are doubtful for the match.
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