Ben Stokes

[Durhamfootman]

The Aussie media I've seen is reflecting quite sadly on the state of the series without him

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/ ... hing-stock

plenty of Aussie journo's telling the ECB what they should be doing

lots of tearing up of contracts and lengthy bans

lots of suggestions that the ECB are being weak

I'm not saying that I disagree necessarily, you understand, but they seem to have an agenda of ramping up the pressure on Strauss.... presumably because they see this as an opportunity to make beating the poms that bit easier

[Durhamfootman]

On the face of it, Warner's misdemeanor was worse, he punched a fellow professional, Stokes' punched some bottle welding scrote.

Aussie media are having a ball...... they must be really scared of Stokes

interesting that they seem to be suggesting that Warner got some sort of massive ban/lengthy punishment, but I don't remember him missing much cricket at all

might just be my memory, of course

from Fox sports.....

"Cricket Australia were quick to come down hard and suspend David Warner for his scuffle with Joe Root on the eve of the 2013 Ashes, an incident which was child's play in comparison to the evidence piling up against Stokes."

Warner missed the first 2 tests, but was back playing in the final 3, once Aus had gone 2-0 down in the series while he was out..... and they were back to back tests, so they effectively suspended him for a week and a half

[Durhamfootman]

I'm not making the case for Stokes' inclusion, btw. I really couldn't care less whether he goes or not. If England banned him for a year from international cricket, it'd make promotion for Durham that much easier (assuming the courts don't find him guilty of assault and bang him up for a bit)

I also have some sympathy for the view that a lengthy ban from international cricket (which would cost him a packet) might just help to concentrate his mind enough for him to actually sit down and reflect on how he chooses to live his life.

[Durhamfootman]

something that most of us do at a much younger age than the gentle one

[captaincolly]

On the face of it, Warner's misdemeanor was worse, he punched a fellow professional, Stokes' punched some bottle welding scrote.

Aussie media are having a ball...... they must be really scared of Stokes

interesting that they seem to be suggesting that Warner got some sort of massive ban/lengthy punishment, but I don't remember him missing much cricket at all

might just be my memory, of course

from Fox sports.....

"Cricket Australia were quick to come down hard and suspend David Warner for his scuffle with Joe Root on the eve of the 2013 Ashes, an incident which was child's play in comparison to the evidence piling up against Stokes."

Warner missed the first 2 tests, but was back playing in the final 3, once Aus had gone 2-0 down in the series while he was out.

A draconian punishment!

Have the ECB handled things well here? Instead of saying nothing after Strauss confirmed the Ashes squad was selected purely on cricketing grounds they waited a day or so and then announced Stokes and Hales were out until further notice.
Why not just batten down the hatches and say nothing unless it becomes apparent Stokes will not be able to tour?

[Durhamfootman]

perhaps Strauss thinks that he should be able to call Stokes a canute, and then everything will blow over?

[captaincolly]

perhaps Strauss thinks that he should be able to call Stokes a canute, and then everything will blow over?

[budgetmeansbudget]

something that most of us do at a much younger age than the gentle one

But most of us aren't cricketing superstars.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I now understand that the victim had a stroke two weeks ago, what that's got to with anything I do not know.

Probably should have been taking it easy and having an early night, instead of getting beered up and shouting homophobic insults at Lithuanian men.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Ironic that the names of the two individuals that Stokes had the fracas with were Hale and Ali!

[captaincolly]

Ironic that the names of the two individuals that Stokes had the fracas with were Hale and Ali!

I hadn't noticed that!

[Durhamfootman]

pity it wasn't Hale and Pace

[sussexpob]

Its all a bit silly isnt it. After being the sole detractor of Ben for ages, I now find myself reading articles thinking WTF is going on.

"BEN STOKES FARTS - OUTRAGE. BOTHAM RECOMMENDS DEATH PENALTY PUNISHMENT".

How quickly friends become enemies. I disagree with him hitting someone, but the attempts to dig the claws in all over now seem a bit ridiculous. Sadly reflective of a very bored media.

So he hit a vet? So what. Why should that matter!

[sussexpob]

I also take it from the amount of "who can replace him" things floating about, the majority of the press think he isnt going.

Lastly, I find it laughable that one publication admitted to being bullied/in cahoots with the ECB on what they printed about players.

[yuppie]

I also take it from the amount of "who can replace him" things floating about, the majority of the press think he isnt going.

Lastly, I find it laughable that one publication admitted to being bullied/in cahoots with the ECB on what they printed about players.

Which publication was that SP?