Former England batter delivers brutal verdict on Ben Stokes amid ongoing nightclub controversy, says 'this is hugely damaging...'

Former England batter Mark Ramprakash has weighed in on the growing backlash surrounding Ben Stokes, expressing concerns over the team culture being projected by the English team. Ramprakash said that Stokes, as the Test skipper, holds the responsibility of leading by example to set standards in terms of discipline within the team. He also warned that the controversy comes at a difficult phase for England, who are trying to move on from the criticism they faced over players' off-field conduct during their Australia series earlier this year.

Mark Ramprakash reflects on Ben Stokes situation

As per the recent reports, Ben Stokes and England pacer Gus Atkinson were involved in an incident with a rugby player during the early hours of Monday. The situation got worse when the rugby player tried to punch Atkinson but instead hit a security staff member, who required stitches afterwards.

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The players also breached a curfew placed by the England and Wales Cricket board (ECB), which is imposed on the players and team management after the Australia series.

“As leader of the side, this is hugely damaging for the England reset after what was a very difficult winter. The England captain’s job has always been a very important job in sport in this country. You do set standards and you have to abide by them," said Mark Ramprakash said to Sky Sports.

“I suppose what makes Ben Stokes widely respected is that he is human. He has been through his ups and downs. Being a well-known cricketer at the wrong times can be very difficult," added Mark Ram Prakash.

While continuing further, Ramprakash claimed that England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing directors of men's cricket Rob Key were lucky enough to continue at their respective jobs after a horrible 4-1 loss in the Ashes in Australia.

“The ECB came under huge criticism – and this is part of the reason I thought Rob key and Brendan McCullum were very lucky to keep their jobs – because in the winter, we saw a tour which had a lack of planning and preparation, and it was brutally exposed," added Ramprakash.

Ben Stokes to take retirement from international cricket?

As per a latest report by ESPNcricinfo, the ECB has given Stokes the chance to step down as captain and continue to play Test cricket for England. However, if he opts not to resign, the board could still sack him from the role as part of any disciplinary action arising from the investigation.

It will be interesting to see what result comes out of the ongoing tension in English cricket.