People come out in support for Ben Stokes, Swann says he's a good bloke

Ben Stokes is a fantastic player on the field but has been in trouble lately due to an off-field incident in Bristol. Stokes was arrested by the Police in Bristol after he was involved in a late night club brawl. The all-rounder was seen punching a man after a fight broke out in a nightclub. He was then suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board for the last two ODIs against the West Indies.

This came as a huge blow to the England fans as they are traveling to Australia for the Ashes in November. Stoke has been their best player in recent times and him not being a part of the team because of his antiques is kind of a bummer. However, his ex-coach David Saker and also former England cricketer have come out in support of the Englishman.

Stokes is a good bloke says, Swann

Swann is a big admirer of Ben Stokes and he came out in full support of the England all-rounder. He said that if you are at the receiving end then fighting back shouldn’t be considered as a crime. Swann was of the opinion that Stokes was defending himself.

“If that video (published on The Sun) is what they are going on, then Ben Stokes is a bit of a hero for me,” said Swann while talking to Mirror. He also said that if he were Ben’s dad then he would have patted on his shoulder. Though Swann is against violence, he said that defending yourself is absolutely fine.

He said, “Are we living in a world where someone comes at you with a bottle and you’re not allowed to fight back? I don’t condone violence and I would certainly take issue with anyone who looks to start a fight, but if you are on the receiving end then I can understand why you’d want to stop it.

Swann said, “As a dad, if I watched that and Stokesy was my son I’d be patting him on the back and saying, ‘Well done, mate’. He is a teammate who has always got your back, he really has. The love that comes out for him from his teammates is real, it is not just put on.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of the details of the video, I don’t know whether he is sticking up for someone who is on the receiving end of homophobic abuse or whatever, but the long and short of it is Ben Stokes is a good bloke,” Swann concluded.

Stokes is a good man said, Saker

David Saker who now coaches the Australian team said that Stokes is a good man. Though he refused to comment on the incident he did defend the English all-rounder. He said, “I know Ben personally, I think he’s a good man but I’m not going to comment on something in the English rooms.”

“It’s their decision to make and we’ll just concentrate on making sure we play well for the rest of this series. They have to deal with that themselves,” Saker added while talking to the cricket.com.au after the fourth ODI against India.

Stokes a great lad says, Vince

The newcomer James Vince thinks that losing Stokes right before the series is a big blow. He also said that it must be very hard for the all-rounder and his family. Vince added that Stokes is a good guy and said he knows him very well.

“It must be a very tough time for him and his family. I know him pretty well and he’s a great lad. Tough time for him but he’s such an important cog in that England team, hopefully, it all gets sorted with and he’ll be on that plane to Australia,” said Vince while talking to Sky Sports.