Title Matrix

Ben Stokes EXCLUSIVE | Captain denies rifts & takes responsibility after 'chaotic' fortnight

Cricket

Year2026

Duration29m

Watch Now

7.0

► Subscribe to Sky Sports Cricket: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyCricket ► Watch Sky Sports with NOW: https://bit.ly/NOWCricketYT Athers sits down for an exclusive one-on-one chat with England Test captain Ben Stokes on the latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. Stokes discusses what he admits have been a 'chaotic' few weeks and says he takes responsibility for the effect his suspension following a breach of curfew rules has had on the team. Stokes also talks about the backing he received from ECB management and his relationships with Brendon McCullum and Rob Key. Plus, he explains why the situation may end up being a positive for his batting after scoring runs on his return to Durham. 00:50 - how much of the "chaotic few weeks" can be placed at Stokes' door? 02:00 - taking responsibility. Stokes says he's looked his teammates in the eye and acknowledged what's happened and how it's affected the team 04:35 - does Stokes accept he was in the wrong place at the wrong time? 06:10 - curfews. was detail of it set out properly? 06:55 - does Stokes think he got enough backing from those above him? "frustrated and disappointed" at the process 08:50 - has weight of England captaincy been weighing on Stokes? 10:30 - relationship with Brendon McCullum. "healthy" to not agree on everything 12:30 - Stokes says he, Key and McCullum are desperate to bring success back 14:10 - runs for Durham. what clicked? what's been missing? suggests he's "overcomplicated things" 16:00 - playing at Trent Bridge and good memories there 18:20 - Wardy and Athers chat. thoughts on last couple of weeks. "chaotic fortnight" 20:05 - Stokes stopped short of saying sorry but has taken ownership of consequences on the team 21:15 - thoughts on relationship and backing from Rob Key, McCullum 22:50 - positive that Stokes may return with relaxed attitude 23:45 - overthinking and tinkering affected Stokes' batting 24:55 - Athers reiterates his view that curfews are ridiculous for a professional team 25:30 - will Stokes still have the dressing room