by sussexpob » Wed Sep 27, 2017 1:50 pm
I actually have a degree of sympathy with Ben in some respects, I dont think all this talk in the press and from ex-cricketers ranting about lifestyle choices is at all indicative of the issue here. I have no problem with a player going for a few beers after a game, these lads are largely condemned to a life of constant touring, living in hotels and playing. Its important to break the cycle of constant pressure and monotony of the "partridge" life by turning a blind eye to moments where they let off steam. I dont think having a few beers on a Friday night in the pub, job well done for the week, is seen as terminal to normal peoples careers, why should a few beers after a match be seen any differently?
In the end of the day, he punched a locker or two, he went out and got pissed on A team tours and got kicked off, he swears and snarls and has a pretty bad attitude to me, but that didnt stop him being fast tracked into each of the formats teams, and kept there with unshakable faith and endless time to learn his game. HE is essentially the naughty kid who tells his teacher to go f*ck herself in class, and still gets his pick n mix on the way home. No sooner had we learnt he was chucked in his police cell, the England team director was throwing himself at the press saying Stokes would go to Australia.
In a way you cant blame Stokes for his behaviour. No one has ever really made him pay for any of these misdemeanors he does. If he escapes police charge, and he escapes the ECB charge, why would improve his behaviour? If they want to make sweeping changes to personality and save him from destroying his career, then teach him some bl**dy accountability. Punish him. Ban him. Drop him for the winter.
If you tap him on the wrist and ignore the issue, you cant then blame him when he doesnt learn from it. All he is learning at the moment is, he can do what he wants without further punishment.
KP lost his career for whistling, Stokes irons out a member of the public and gets picked. I am sure he is learning some valuable lessons.
2010 French Open fantasy league guru 2010 Wimbledon fantasy league guru 2014 Masters golf fantasy guru 2015 Players Championship FL Guru 2016 Masters Golf Fantasy Guru
And a hat and bra to you too, my good sirs!