Stokes and Atkinson Cleared of Violent Conduct, Return for Deciding Test
8 verified4 unconfirmed
England captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have been cleared of violent conduct following a nightclub incident earlier this month and will return for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Both players were made unavailable for the second Test, which England lost by 253 runs, after an investigation into events that occurred in the early hours of June 8, the day after England’s victory in the first Test. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said a disciplinary hearing found that “no blame” should be attached to the players for the scuffles at the nightclub. However, Stokes and Atkinson were found to have breached contractual obligations by breaking a midnight curfew and have been issued written warnings. The incident involved a Saracens rugby academy player allegedly punching Atkinson and striking a member of ECB security staff. Both players have been named in England’s 15-player squad for the third Test, which begins on Thursday, with Stokes restored as captain.
What’s verified
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were cleared of violent conduct in a London nightclub incident.
Both players missed the second Test against New Zealand, which England lost.
The ECB issued both players written warnings for breaching contractual obligations, specifically a midnight curfew.
The incident involved a Saracens academy rugby player who allegedly punched Atkinson and struck a member of ECB security staff.
Stokes was not involved in any altercation, and Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate.
Saracens declined to comment when contacted by media.
Stokes and Atkinson are named in England’s squad for the third Test at Trent Bridge, a series decider.
Ollie Robinson (knee injury) and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (paternity leave) also return to the squad; Sonny Baker and James Rew, who debuted in the second Test, have been left out.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that a separate inquiry by the Cricket Regulator found Stokes and Atkinson have no case to answer regarding the nightclub incidents; this was not mentioned in the other source.
Specific county cricket performances of Stokes (95 off 118 balls for Durham) and Atkinson (four wickets for Surrey) appeared in only one source.
The exact role of the ECB security staff member who was struck and the extent of their injuries were detailed only in one source (described as “left bloodied and in need of medical attention”).
It remains unclear why the midnight curfew was not known by Atkinson, as noted by director of cricket Rob Key, and what steps England will take to remove “ambiguity” around the rule.
Key figures
Ben Stokes, England captain
Gus Atkinson, England pace bowler
Brendon McCullum, England head coach
Rob Key, ECB director of cricket
Ollie Robinson, England seamer
Jamie Smith, England wicketkeeper
Sonny Baker, England seamer
James Rew, England wicketkeeper
Joe Root, England batter (captained second Test)
Totoa Auvaa, Saracens rugby player (named in one source)
Harry Brook, England batter (mentioned in curfew context)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
