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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Ben Stokes to remain England skipper despite the controversy that led to his suspension from the second Test against New Zealand.Stokes was left out of England’s squad for the ongoing Test at The Oval after breaching a team curfew following the opening match of the series at Lord’s. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson was also stood down after both players violated the midnight protocol set by the England and Wales Cricket Board.The incident has generated intense debate about Stokes’ future, with speculation ranging from a possible resignation as captain to retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old has not yet publicly addressed the matter.Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, Vaughan acknowledged that Stokes had made a serious mistake but insisted that the all-rounder deserved the opportunity to continue leading England because of everything he has contributed to the national side.“I think Ben Stokes has done so much for English cricket: he screwed up, he knows that,” Vaughan said.The former England captain admitted the situation reflected poorly on the team, particularly because the breach involved the captain himself.“We all know he screwed up and it’s a terrible look for the team when the captain breaks the protocol.”However, Vaughan also questioned whether the ECB could be considering a longer-term move away from Stokes as leader.“But there’s something in me that just wonders whether the ECB have kind of gone: ‘OK, is it time to move Ben Stokes out of the way?’”Despite those concerns, Vaughan made it clear that he hopes Stokes is given another chance.“I hope not. If there’s someone that’s earned the right to come back as the captain of this team, it’s Ben Stokes.”The ECB’s decision to suspend Stokes and Atkinson came after a night out in London that reportedly ended in a confrontation involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa.While backing Stokes’ return, Vaughan also praised the ECB for acting decisively once the incident emerged.“I actually think this week they’ve dealt with this really well,” said Vaughan, referring to the ECB.“They’ve got it out there into the public domain quickly.”Vaughan acknowledged that handling the issue would have been particularly difficult for England managing director Rob Key, who had spent recent months working closely with Stokes on improving team standards and culture.“I don’t think it will have been easy for Rob Key [England’s managing director] to deal with this because he’s been working with Ben for three or four months on this protocol of making sure the culture is a little bit better.”At the same time, Vaughan felt disciplinary action was unavoidable.“I do think they had to suspend him.”With Stokes unavailable and questions continuing over his future, Joe Root has stepped in to captain England for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval.
