Stokes and Atkinson Dropped for Second Test After Nightclub Incident, Root Takes Over
6 verified5 unconfirmed
England cricket captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaching a team curfew in a London nightclub. During the incident, a member of England’s security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player. Joe Root has been appointed interim captain for the match, which begins June 17 at The Oval. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the actions of both players. Stokes is reportedly considering his future, though he has not yet made a public statement. Former England captains have said the breach, while serious, should not end Stokes’ career as captain or player.
What’s verified
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were omitted from England’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand after a nightclub incident.
Both players broke a team midnight curfew early on Monday morning.
A member of England’s security staff was struck by Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa.
Joe Root was named interim captain for the second Test, replacing Stokes.
The ECB is investigating the incident; Stokes and Atkinson have not been made available for selection during that investigation.
Stokes is considering his future as captain and player, with former captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain describing the incident as not a sackable offence.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that former captain Michael Vaughan called for a shift in the balance of power between players and the ECB, and questioned whether curfews should be needed in team sport.
One source reported that Harry Brook, England’s vice-captain, was overlooked for the captaincy because he had been fined and warned after a separate nightclub altercation in New Zealand last year.
One source listed the full 15-player England squad for the second Test, including additions Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox.
One source stated that Stokes has been Test captain since April 2022 and that he has not commented publicly on his decision.
The duration and outcome of the separate investigation by the Cricket Regulator remain unclear.
Misconceptions
The sources address the notion that the nightclub incident should permanently end Stokes’ captaincy. Both Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain stated the breach is not a sackable offence and urged Stokes not to make an emotional retirement decision.
Key figures
Ben Stokes (England captain, all-rounder)
Gus Atkinson (England pace bowler)
Joe Root (interim captain, batter)
Harry Brook (vice-captain, batter)
Michael Atherton (former England captain)
Nasser Hussain (former England captain)
Michael Vaughan (former England captain)
Totoa Auvaa (Saracens rugby player)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
