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England’s Test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes is once again making headlines because of his off-field drama. Ben Stokes’ future has become a major talking point among the cricket fraternity after the fresh nightclub controversy.
Many are fearing that it could be the end of Stokes’ international career, but the Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has shown strong support for his long-time rival and made it clear that he still has huge respect for the England all-rounder and hopes to see him continue in Test cricket.
Ben Stokes and the Nightclub incident
The controversy unfolded after England's 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s. Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were reportedly found to have broken the team's curfew while celebrating at a nightclub in London.
The issue became even bigger after reports claimed that the two players were involved in a physical confrontation with rugby player Totoa Auvaa at the same nightclub in London. As a result, both Stokes and Atkinson were left out of the second Test, and England launched an internal investigation into the matter.
The incident has raised serious questions about Stokes' future as captain and his overall international career. The 35-year-old has already faced massive criticism following England's 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia, with many blaming his reckless approach for the embarrassment.
Nathan Lyon hopes to face Ben Stokes in Ashes 2027
After Dale Steyn blasts ECB over Stokes controversy, Nathan Lyon has strongly backed the England captain. The Australian spinner described the England all-rounder as one of the greatest players in the game and expressed hope that this controversy would not bring an early end to his international career.
Lyon also said that Australian players always want to compete against the best, and Stokes remains one of England's biggest match-winners, so he would love to face him in the Ashes 2027.
Nathan Lyon was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “I'm really hoping this isn't the end of Ben Stokes' career. I've got nothing but respect for Ben, if I'm being brutally honest. I think Ben's going to go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game, and I really hope that his career's not finished yet.”
The Australian spinner added, “Obviously, there's the Ashes around the corner, even though it's a year away for us, but as Australian cricketers you want to be playing against those guys, and Ben Stokes is arguably one of the best to ever do that, especially for England. So, I really hope this isn't the end.”
Nathan Lyon praises Joe Root and wishes England for the upcoming Tests
The veteran spinner also praised Joe Root, calling him one of the world's finest batters, and wished England well for their upcoming Test matches against New Zealand. Notably, Root will lead the hosts in the second match against the Kiwis, starting on June 17 at The Oval.
Lyon signed off by saying, “The captaincy, obviously Joe Root is arguably the best player in the world, and he's obviously got one of the best numbers in the world, doesn't he? So, yet again, nothing but respect for Joe, so I wish him all the best for the Test series coming up, but my opinions are my opinions.”
