The old man and the Captaincy

PL on Ben Stokes, captaincy and curfews

“I may not be as stong as I think, but I know many tricks and I have resolution.”
― Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea

Ben Stokes has been strong, wily, and resolved through his captaincy of England, but news of a potential Test ban for ill discipline is cause for concern about the man and his ability to shoulder the load much longer.

Et Al has seen suggestions that the incident, which also involved Gus Atkinson is worse than reported, and heard whispers that Stokes has been given the opportunity to tender his resignation, but this has not been confirmed. It’s the early hours in England, and those concerned are presumably attempting to get some sleep before confronting this depressing situation.

Even if these reports are exaggerated as they often are, England has a crisis on its hands, and Stokes is in a world of trouble.

Curfews are dumb, their imposition desperate. Appropriate enough, perhaps, for school children and errant teens, but they have no place in an elite adult sporting environment. They’re among the last cards a management - one that has let things slip so far that it endangers their roles - can play. A curfew is a declaration of martial law, and leaves only one option when they fail: public trial and punishment.

The only thing dumber than a curfew and the people who impose is Stokes. A cricketer and a man who I find compelling, and difficult not to sympathise with, but the England captain has made a fool of himself, his team, his coach and his head of cricket.