Stokes should not be sacked as captain - Vaughan

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ben Stokes has been England Test captain since 2022 By Stephan Shemilt Cricket Correspondent Published 3 minutes ago Ben Stokes' involvement in an incident in a London nightclub should not cost him his job as England Test captain, according to Michael Vaughan. Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson broke the England team's midnight curfew by celebrating the first-Test victory over New Zealand into the early hours of Monday morning. They were present when a member of England's security staff was struck by Saracens rugby player Totoa Avuaa. Both Stokes and Atkinson are under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator. Former England skipper Vaughan wrote in the Telegraph: , external "Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew. Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as England's Test captain? I don't think so." England are due to name a squad for the second Test at The Oval by Thursday at the latest. The squad assemble to train on Sunday, with the match beginning next Wednesday. While investigations are ongoing, neither Stokes nor Atkinson can be omitted from the squad as a result of a sanction. Therefore, perhaps the only reason either man would be left out of the squad is if it is felt it is not in the best interests of the individuals or the England team for them to be present. Stokes, 35, has been given time by the ECB in order to consider his options. The governing body has denied any suggestion he has been asked to resign. Vaughan, who famously led England to victory in the 2005 Ashes, also wrote: "The ECB has to be brave enough and strong enough to do what it thinks is right. If that is to sack him then fine, but I do not agree with that decision on this issue." While the ECB may see an urgency to complete its own investigation, the inquiries of the Cricket Regulator – which is independent from the ECB – could take many weeks. Stokes and drinking give England another headache Published 23 hours ago Stokes & Atkinson investigated over nightclub incident Published 1 day ago The episode is an unwanted controversy for the ECB following a dismal 4-1 Ashes tour of Australia that was dogged by off-field controversy. As a result of late-night drinking incidents involving Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Ben Duckett, all England players and staff were placed under a midnight curfew. Captain Stokes broke the curfew on his first appearance for England since it was introduced. The curfew was still place on Sunday evening, despite the completion of the 115-run over New Zealand at Lord's. In a statement released on Monday evening, the ECB said it was "investigating a breach of team protocols". The statement confirmed all-rounder Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson had broken the curfew by being present at the nightclub into the early hours. It later emerged that the member of security staff was struck by Saracens player Avuaa. The staff member was left bloodied and