England Lions cricketers involved in WhatsApp 'sexual conquest' group
What's the story
England Lions, the second-tier of the England Cricket Team, have found two of their most promising talents, Joe Clarke and Tom Kohler-Cadmore involved in a WhatsApp 'sexual conquest' group. As a result, they have stood them down from touring India. Notably, one of the group members, Alex Hepburn, was tried in a rape case in Worcestershire. Rest of the contingent left for India yesterday.
Hepburn case
Alex Hepburn scheduled to appear for a retrial
The Worcestershire cricketer, Hepburn, will be appearing for a retrial since a verdict could not be reached after a trial at Worcester Crown Court. He is accused of two counts of rape, and was part of a WhatsApp group where he and fellow cricketers used to boast about women they slept with. They used terms like "freshies" and "reheats" for women they slept with.
Incident
Joe Clarke was arrested and later released by the police
Joe Clarke, who has been grounded from the Indian tour, was allegedly involved in a rape case though he was not a perpetrator but an instigator of the crime. Alex Hepburn was accused of rape by a woman, who found that she was in bed with Hepburn, shortly after she had sex with Clarke. This resulted in Clarke's arrest.
Information
Reason why Clarke was discharged
Clarke was discharged as he said in court that he did not know what Hepburn had done, as he had fallen asleep inside a bathroom after a night of heavy drinking. The woman was allegedly sleeping when Hepburn approached her inside a dark room.
Prospects
Both are talented individuals with potential of senior international careers
Joe Clarke, who joined Nottinghamshire county in 2017, is regarded as a top batsman having the potential of breaking into England's senior team considering they are going through a crisis in their top-order lately. Kohler-Cadmore, who was not present on the night in question, had his name mentioned in the group. He is also regarded to have a prospective Test career ahead.
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Schedule of the tour
India A and England Lions will play five unofficial ODIs at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram from January 23 to January 31 with a day's rest between each match. Following which, they will play two unofficial Tests at Krishnagiri Stadium, from February 7-10 and 13-16.
Observation
Objectifying women the reason behind looking at sex as conquest
After Hardik Pandya facing a suspension for his objectionable comments, this is another instance of cricketers treating women not as human beings, but as objects of conquest. This is a result of inherent misogyny and shows that objectification of women is still present in all rungs of society throughout the world. Only proper education and sensitization can rid our society of such beliefs.