Ben Stokes warned against emotional retirement as Nasser Hussain launches staunch defence: ‘He will be in a dark place’

Hussain acknowledged the seriousness of Ben Stokes' actions but stopped short of calling for harsher punishment.

Updated on: Jun 11, 2026, 07:21:08 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Things are not looking good for Ben Stokes at the moment. Having already been left out of England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand, questions are now being raised about his immediate future in the national setup. The fallout from the nightclub controversy has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the all-rounder, with his decision to breach the team's curfew proving costly.

Ben Stokes' future is in doubt now. (Action Images via Reuters)

Stokes and Gus Atkinson are currently under investigation by the ECB after allegedly breaking England's midnight curfew following the team's victory in the first Test at Lord's. The incident has sparked criticism and placed both players firmly under the spotlight at a time when discipline and accountability are being closely examined.

With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root will take charge as England's interim captain for the second Test against New Zealand, adding another significant twist to an already turbulent period for the side.

While reports suggest Stokes is weighing up his future in Test cricket, some critics have gone a step further, questioning whether he should face suspension over the incident.

With Stokes facing intense scrutiny following the nightclub controversy and his exclusion from England's second Test against New Zealand, former captain Nasser Hussain has rallied behind the all-rounder. Hussain pointed to Stokes' long record of service and match-winning contributions for England, arguing that his achievements for the national side should not be overlooked amid the current criticism.

"Ben Stokes has been there for England a lot," Hussain told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. "He's been there as a captain, he's been there as a player at their finest moments - 50 over World Cups, T20 World Cups.

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“Ben Stokes' been a warrior for England”

Hussain acknowledged the seriousness of Stokes' actions but stopped short of calling for harsher punishment. While he admitted the England captain had made a major mistake, he argued that the incident should not define his career.

"He's been a warrior for England and he got it wrong this time - he got it horribly wrong. I don't think that is a sackable offence. Ben will be in a dark place at the moment. I just hope Ben doesn't think 'I've let so many people down that I'm going to retire. I'm going to make an emotional decision and retire', because I think that would be a really sad way [to end] for one of England's greats," he added.

He concluded with an emotional appeal, saying a player of Stokes' stature deserves a far better ending than one shaped by controversy and regret.

"One of England's greats should not go out like that. I think he deserves better. I do feel a bit sad if this was the last we saw of Ben Stokes - I really hope it's not," he concluded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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