Ben Stokes, the hero of World Cup 2019 for the English team, said that he won’t mind playing cricket behind closed doors if the circumstances demand so.
He participated in a ‘BBC Radio 5 live’ and voiced his opinion on possibilities for resumption of the game. On asked, whether the upcoming England-West Indies series at home would lose its sheen if played behind closed doors, he told:
“I don’t think so. Think about it, we are walking out to represent our country, three lions on our chest and there is game that we are supposed to win. So whether it is in front of nobody or like we are used to in-front of full crowd, I don’t think it’s going to take that competitive side away.”
It will take time to adjust
The English all rounder during the live session told that the players and everyone other involved in the game would take time to adjust for the ‘empty stadium’ scenario.
Till now, every professional cricketers have experienced the game other way and so it will not easy for the players to just go and settle down with the scenario, it would take some time to adjust the scenario, said Stokes.
“Yeah, completely different scenario to get our heads around that there isn’t going to be the atmosphere or cheering (of supporters) when we play international games,” said the 28-year-old English all rounder.
He also added that the cricket on TV would be best option for time being post COVID-19.
“We would do anything to get cricket back on TVs, and people, who follow and watch. If that means playing in-front of nobody then so be it,” he said.
Safety is top priority
The English all rounder, however feels that safety and well being of everyone involved in the game remains paramount.
Ben Stokes in the live session said that neither the board nor the players are going to push anything until everyone is satisfied.
We are still not hundred percent sure when that’s going to happen. Everybody’s concern at the moment is safety and well being of everybody.
“At the end of the day, cricket is just a sport and its the safety, health and well-being of everybody involved, not just in the team but around cricket community is important right now,” he added.
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