Rob Key admits he is contemplating implementing a total ban on alcohol in the England men’s cricket team, after nightclubs controversy with captain Ben Stokes and paceman Gus Atkinson But he said no decisions will be made without consideration.
Addressing the matter publicly for the first time at The Oval, Key said: “I was disappointed and frustrated when I learnt of what had happened. The news was heartbreaking for him, he’d said, because it left his jaw hanging as he vented anger and worry. Key stated: “Brendon McCullum said exactly the same thing to me before he took the job as England head coach.
The most recent controversy has once more renewed concerns about discipline and team culture in the England camp. The team management had also already announced more stringent rules partly by introducing a midnight curfew on players while on tours earlier in the year. But Key had denied the team developed an unhealthy drinking culture at the time. Yet the events of recent weeks have led to a reassessment by leaders at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over whether current regulations are enough.
Key accepted that tougher regulations may now be required. Among those is a blanket ban on any alcohol consumption for players, whether the team is celebrating victories or enjoying downtime between matches. He made it clear trust is paramount between the public and the national team, but that incidents like these are detrimental to it.
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Key, angry as he is, maintained that any changes to team policy must be measured and more practical. If an incident can then be used to implement rules, but those rules could have a damaging effect on morale or restrict players too heavily, he is not interested in making the change.
The England director also responded to speculation over the future of Ben Stokes as captain. He was adamant that no snap decisions on leadership will be made while feelings are running high. Rather, the board wants to weigh all options before deciding on how best to proceed.
Meanwhile, the challenge for England’s management will be to restore public faith while keeping harmony in the dressing-room. The next few weeks could be crucial in establishing the culture and expectations of the team going forward.