So Ben Stokes will miss the T20 World Cup with a broken hand. Should we feel sorry for him? Not a bit. None of us like getting out first ball but vandalising lockers is not the answer. Putting yourself out of the game in the process for several weeks is sheer madness. Forgiving such actions by an immature two year-old is just about OK but Stokes is a 22 year-old professional sportsman. Definitely NOT OK!
Citing the colour of his hair is not an excuse either. I was a redhead at that age (sadly more sandy grey these days!) and I don't recall smashing anything in a fit of pique, let alone such an important tool of the trade as a wrist. A few expletives, maybe, but no daft acts of violence. Ben Stokes has proved to be a very useful all-rounder for Durham in all forms of cricket and was a rare centurion in the Ashes. Sadly his form with bat and ball deserted him in the Caribbean one-dayers, which may have contributed to that dressing room incident.
Perhaps he will relish the rest after a hectic winter and will come back stronger in the summer. His replacement in Bangladesh, Chris Woakes, is someone I've long advocated for England. But in T20?? No way. He has an excellent first-class record as a genuine all-rounder but I hope his time in the forthcoming tournament doesn't ruin his chances of a future Test career. As for the Twenty20 format, I suppose he has nothing to lose.
But what about Stokes? I daresay his chance will come again, particularly in ODIs. However, his passion for cricket, team and own performances need to be balanced by self-control. It seems to be accepted these days that unless you shout a lot (e.g. in football), pump your fists at every wicket to fall and/or burst into tears at the drop of a hat (e.g. in X Factor)you don't have the requisite passion; you don't 'want it enough'. Rubbish! Those sportsmen who channel their passion for the benefit of the team tend to be more reliable performers. I remember watching a Sunday game at Southend many years ago. Essex captain Ronnie Irani was dismissed for a duck and stormed into the quaint park pavilion from whence I clearly heard what I assume was a bat being flung along with some choice f___words. He was angry with himself for letting his side down but as long as he did no damage to anyone or anything, I just had to smile. Irani was, like Stokes, a bit of a hothead which may have affected his long-term chances with England. A very popular hothead with fans, it has to be said! I d worry about England when an experienced superstar bowler like James Anderson abandons the respect for opposition players and the game itself after takig a wicket. A poor role model indeed, and it didn't do his form any good either!
Nobody should accuse the likes of Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott or James Taylor as being insufficiently passionate to represent England. They just have a calmer temperament, which suits their roles as batting foundations on which substantial innings are built. Sometimes, players prone to losing their temper on and off the field, just need the right coaching or leadership to focus their aggression (or passion) in the most effective way. David Warner could have been cast aside for his stupid actions in a nightclub, just as Stokes was sent home from the Lions tour last year for drinking. Instead Warner was sent home to rebuild his reputation and make some runs, and has since brought personal and team success since. Darren Lehmann appears to have worked wonders for Mitchell Johnson, too. Shane Warne was in his day a bit of a bad boy and it is often forgotten that he served a long ban for his drug abuse and foul-mouthed rants. Fortunately he matured to become an all-time great, assisted by being part of a consistently winning side!
The condensed format of Twenty20 dictates that spectators get whipped into a six-hitting, fanfare-cheering frenzy. In England, that is exacerbated by alcohol. However, unthinking wild swings of the bat and uncontrolled bouncers do not win such matches. Dhoni, Gayle, Malinga, Narine, Buttler, Clarke, Sangakkara et al are masters of their art by patience, thought and keeping a cool head in pressure-cooker atmosphere and situations. Passion AND control. Take heed during your recuperation, Ben Stokes, and I wish you a swift recovery.
