STOKING CONTROVERSIES
Ben Stokes, who was arrested after causing ‘bodily harm’ in a nightclub in Bristol, is not new to controversies. He has a long list of controversies right from the start of his career.
Arrest in 2011: During Christmas in 2011, Stokes was arrested and cautioned for ‘obstructing the police’ in Durham. Stokes was believed to be drunk when the incident took place.
Sent home from Oz tour: In 2013, Stokes was sent home alongside another cricketer named Matt Coles for ‘flouting’ rules regarding drinking, on England Lions’ tour of Australia.
Anger management issues: Livid over his first-ball run out in the third ODI at Antigua during England’s tour of West Indies in 2014, Stokes struck a locker in the dressing room hard. Stokes ended up fracturing his hand, and as a result, missed the ICC World T20 2014 in Bangladesh.
Escapes a driving ban: After being found guilty of overspeeding as many as four times in June 2016, Stokes faced a threat of being put in a jail if he drove beyond the allowed speed limits over next six months.
Run-ins with Marlon Samuels: The duel between Stokes and Marlon Samuels began in Grenada in April 2015, when the latter gave a salute to the England cricketer after he was dismissed.
Taking on Virat Kohli: During the Mohali Test last season, Stokes was reprimanded by the match referee and handed one demerit point for swearing at the Indian cricketers after he was dismissed. Stokes later on celebrated Kohli’s wicket by gagging his mouth with his hand.
Fined after altercation with Sabbir Rahman: Stokes was fined 15% of match fees in the second Test last year, during which umpires had warned then captain Alastair Cook. An ICC release said that Stokes ‘did not comply with the instructions’.
Obstructing the field: Stokes was given out obstructing the field when he put out his hand in the way of a return throw from Mitchell Starc, during the Lord’s ODI in 2015. To many, it was a deliberate move to prevent the ball hitting the wickets.