Forget clubs, Ben needs a BATCAVE

WELCOME to the batcave Ben.

Ben Stokes must review how he spends his evenings. He likes to go out and he likes to explore but Australia is not the place to do it.

For the majority of my career I had to be careful where and when I went out because once you cross a certain threshold you are a target – and that is where Ben is now.

He has got the world at his feet, he can pick up Indian Premier League contracts and make millions but the only person who can ruin it for Ben Stokes is Ben Stokes. He has to say, ‘Enough is enough, I can be the best in the world for years to come but I’ve got to make a few sacrifices.’

Ben can’t be on the streets at 2.30 in the morning, he can’t be out drinking till all hours, he can do that when he retires.

It is up to him to be sensible about it. The batcave is a private space where you can have a few drinks with friends and team-mates away from bars and clubs where people may be looking for you to do something silly. It also helps to have your family out there with you to give you some extra stability. It cost me an arm and a leg, but I had my family with me throughout the 1986/87 Ashes tour that we won 2-1 and it made a big difference.

Ben (above) has to realise there is no magic invisible pill that you can take at 10pm where nobody recognises you and you can do as you like.

What you can do is have a few drinks with your team-mates, go to a nice restaurant, have a glass of wine and enjoy yourself. But if you want to carry on then do it in private.

In 1986/87 we had some great nights in our batcave with Elton John touring around the same time when he became ‘EJ the DJ’ playing a few tunes in our unofficial team room.

You didn’t see me going into pubs and clubs. I learnt a friend’s house for dinner was a better option. You are a big target and nowhere more so than in Australia where all eyes will be on you and hoping you slip up on and off the field.

You need to relax and the batcave is the place to do it, not out on the tiles because that is where the Aussies will target him. It is absolutely right he has still been selected and that he is still the vice-captain because you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He can use his time at home now to get into good habits. Don’t leave yourself exposed, Ben.