Shane Watson: “The only way you learn as a person really is when there are strong consequences to mistakes you make”

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Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson believes that England all-rounder Ben Stokes should be banned for the entire Ashes series.

Stokes was withdrawn from England’s Ashes squad after he was allegedly involved in a street brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol.

While Stokes has signed for Canterbury to play domestic cricket in New Zealand, there is speculation that he could feature in the third Ashes Test in Perth on December 14.

However, Watson feels that Stokes needs to be taught a lesson as this isn’t the first time he has found himself in hot water.

“The only way you learn as a person really is when there are strong consequences to mistakes you make,” Watson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I don’t think he should be able to come and play, there needs to be a precedent set even for his own benefit.

“England are down on confidence because he’s not in the team. It’s impossible to fill that void.”

However, ex-England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham had a rather different view that Watson and feels that Stokes should be allowed to feature in the series if he is cleared by the police.

“It’d be great if he does come out … he’s got out of England which is a good sign,” Botham said. “If there were real complications with the (police) procedure I doubt they’d have let him go.”

Australia hold a 1-0 lead going into the second Ashes Test in Adelaide on Saturday, which will be a day-night affair.