England captain Ben Stokes to decide future amid retirement speculation

LONDON: England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to meet with his advisers on Wednesday to determine his future amid growing speculation that he could retire from international cricket.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has granted Stokes time to consider his options following a nightclub incident after the first Test against New Zealand, which has triggered an investigation by both the ECB and the Cricket Regulator.

Stokes and fellow England cricketer Gus Atkinson reportedly breached the team's curfew and became involved in an altercation with Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa.

The incident resulted in an England security officer requiring stitches and has once again raised concerns over behaviour and culture within the England setup, despite previous commitments to improve standards following several off-field controversies over the winter.

While the ECB is expected to take disciplinary action against both players for violating team protocol, officials are also keen to allow Stokes to reach his own decision regarding his future.

Concerns over the possibility of the England captain retiring prompted an emergency ECB executive board meeting on Tuesday morning.

At the time, there were strong indications that Stokes had become frustrated and was considering bringing an end to his distinguished 15-year international career. 

Reports suggest communication between Stokes and the ECB has deteriorated to the point where some feared they could learn of his decision through a post on social media.

Although retirement remains a possibility, there is growing optimism that Stokes has stepped back from making such a drastic decision. 

The 35-year-old is expected to meet with his long-time agent Neil Fairbrother, the former England and Lancashire batter, to discuss his next move.

Having reportedly been offered the opportunity to resign on Monday, Stokes could still choose to step down as captain while continuing to play until the conclusion of his central contract in 2027, which runs beyond the next Ashes series.

Another option under consideration is relinquishing the captaincy and taking an indefinite break from the game.

For now, both Stokes and Atkinson are expected to face suspensions and fines, with the possibility that they could miss the remainder of the New Zealand Test series.

The second Test is scheduled to begin at The Kia Oval on June 17, and the ECB is expected to name its squad before Friday regardless of whether Stokes has reached a decision on his future.

Sources indicate that Stokes remains in relatively good spirits, although he is said to regret staying out late and is concerned about the impact the incident may have on his team-mates.

There is also a belief that he is dissatisfied with aspects of the ECB's handling of the matter, despite acknowledging his own responsibility for the situation.