England Test captain Ben Stokes could step down from the role and may even retire from cricket following the nightclub controversy involving him and teammate Gus Atkinson, according to a report by talkSPORT.The development comes after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched an investigation into an incident involving Stokes and Atkinson at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday, hours after England’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.Speaking on talkSPORT, senior correspondent at The Cricketer, George Dobell, said he had been told Stokes could choose to walk away himself rather than wait for disciplinary action.“I fear from everything I hear that Stokes is going to act first. And, regretfully, I hear that he is going to step down and possibly even retire.”“I think that would be hugely regrettable and I hope he doesn’t. I hope he stands and fights his ground, which is the Ben Stokes we know.”Stokes is currently England’s Test captain and has been a key figure in the team’s red-ball setup. Though he now plays only Test cricket, retiring would bring an end to a career at the top level that has spanned 15 years.Some media reports in the last few weeks have also said that Stokes has drifted apart from England head coach Brendon McCullum since the Ashes and may view the latest controversy as a point to move on from the role.Another possibility, according to a Cricinfo report, is that Stokes could take a break from cricket. He previously took an indefinite leave from the game in 2021 on mental health grounds before succeeding Joe Root as England captain a year later.The ECB confirmed on Monday that Stokes and Atkinson were involved in an incident while celebrating England’s victory over New Zealand.“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place,” the ECB statement said.“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second test will be made in due course.”England are expected to delay naming their squad for the second Test against New Zealand until they hear from Stokes. It also claimed that neither Stokes nor Atkinson is expected to feature in the remainder of the series.The controversy comes months after England reintroduced a team curfew following the Ashes tour of Australia, during which players faced criticism over drinking and discipline-related issues.England had defeated New Zealand by 115 runs at Lord’s on Sunday. Atkinson took 5/30 on the final day, while Stokes also picked up a wicket.The second Test against New Zealand begins on June 17 at The Oval.
