LONDON: England captain Ben Stokes has apologized after breaking the team’s curfew following a nightclub incident. The incident happened before the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Speaking to reporters before the series decider, Stokes admitted that his actions affected more than just himself. He said the incident also impacted the England team, support staff, and teammates, including Joe Root.
Stokes said offering an apology was his first responsibility as captain. He acknowledged that his conduct created unnecessary distractions during an important stage of the series.
According to Stokes, the controversy also overshadowed the Test debuts of Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker, and James Rew. The three players were making their first appearances for England, but the off-field incident became the main talking point instead.
He said the focus should have remained on the debutants and their achievement. However, events outside the field shifted attention away from one of the biggest moments of their cricket careers.
The England captain accepted that leadership comes with responsibility. He said a captain must take accountability when mistakes happen, not only when things go well.
Stokes added that ignoring the situation would have been the wrong approach. He believed it was important to accept responsibility and address the issue openly.
The all-rounder also revealed that he personally apologized to Joe Root. Root stepped in to lead the team after Stokes became unavailable because of the incident.
Stokes praised Root for handling the unexpected responsibility with professionalism. He said they have known each other since childhood and share a strong relationship.
He added that Root’s willingness to return as captain reflected both his leadership qualities and his character. Stokes described Root as one of the game’s finest players, both on and off the field.
Despite the off-field controversy, Stokes insisted the team’s attention has now returned to cricket. He said England is fully focused on winning the final Test against New Zealand.
The three-match series is currently tied at 1-1, making the final match crucial for both teams. Stokes said Trent Bridge has produced many memorable performances for England in recent years.
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He concluded by saying the players are determined to finish the series strongly. The captain stressed that the squad’s only priority is securing victory and winning the series against New Zealand.
