Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Ben Stokes apology has come before England Cricket Team’s Test decider against New Zealand Cricket Team at Trent Bridge, with the captain saying sorry to teammates after the night out that disrupted the series.
Stokes and Gus Atkinson were issued written conduct warnings after the incident, although both were cleared of wrongdoing in a physical altercation. The issue matters because England lost heavily at the Kia Oval without Stokes, and the three-match series is level at 1-1.
For more cricket coverage, read New Zealand vs Scotland Women’s T20 World Cup Win Keeps Champions Alive, while official England updates are available through the England and Wales Cricket Board website.
Stokes Returns For Series Decider
Stokes said he is "back properly" for Thursday’s match but did not offer a long-term guarantee about his future.
"I understand there's a lot of questions that you (the media) probably want to ask and want to hear from me, but I hope you respect in terms of this whole week, I'm (only) focusing on this week," he said.
"That's where my focus is at right now. I understand there are probably some questions but right now I'm here as captain of this team and all I want to do is get the team focused on winning here. We are 1-1 in a three-mach series and this week is massive for the team."
The all-rounder addressed the squad before training on Wednesday as England prepared for the final Test.
Captain Takes Responsibility
Asked whether he had apologised to his teammates, Stokes said it was part of his duty as captain.
"Of course. That was one of the things I had to do as captain.
"It's all fine, everything being fine and dandy, when it's going well but you need to take responsibility for things as well.
"You need to be big enough and man enough to be able to take that upon your shoulders, look everyone in the eye who it's affected and apologise how you need to apologise. That's something I did."
England now turn attention back to Trent Bridge, where Stokes and Atkinson are available again for a match that will decide the series.
