Delhi: Former great all-rounder of the England cricket team, Ian Botham, has expressed his displeasure over the behavior of Ben Stokes. He said that violation of team rules cannot be acceptable under any circumstances and it is difficult to defend this incident.

Actually, Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been kept out of the second Test match being played against New Zealand at The Oval. An investigation into an incident is underway against both the players.

Controversy after Lord’s Test victory

It is reported that during the celebrations after winning the first Test at Lord’s, both the players could not follow the midnight curfew fixed for the team. Meanwhile, an incident that took place in a bar in London is also under investigation, in which there was an alleged scuffle with a member of the team’s security staff. The name of a Saracens rugby player has also come to light in this case.

‘Some people don’t learn from their mistakes’ – Ian Botham

In a podcast interview quoted by BBC, Ian Botham said that some players repeat the same mistakes again and again and this is worrying. He reminded that when Ben Stokes was embroiled in controversies in Bristol in 2017, Durham County had fully supported him.

Botham said that if a player himself is aware of the curfew rules and still does not follow them, then he cannot be justified.

Joined Durham team, but questions on future

Ben Stokes has been included in Durham’s 15-man squad for the County Championship match against Northamptonshire. However, there is still uncertainty about his future in the England team.

Stokes can leave cricket if he loses captaincy

Ian Botham also said that if the captaincy of England is withdrawn from Ben Stokes, then he can also decide to retire from cricket completely. However, he clarified that this is just his personal possibility and the final decision will depend on Stokes.

Recalling his era, Botham said

70-year-old Ian Botham said that the players of his time also liked to spend time outside the field, but they did not become the subject of public discussion so easily. According to him, in the modern era, every activity of the players remains in the public eye, hence the responsibility increases even more.