Ben Stokes‘ future as England captain is uncertain following an event with Gus Atkinson at a nightclub early Monday (June 8). This incident took place after England’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s and is under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The ECB termed the situation a breach of team protocols and has referred it to the Cricket Regulator. Both Stokes and Atkinson are likely to miss the second Test against New Zealand, starting June 17 at The Oval.
Both players are reported to be uninjured. The issue reportedly involved members of Saracens Rugby Club, who were celebrating their season’s end, and stemmed from a disagreement between Atkinson and an unnamed academy player.
“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub early Monday morning when an incident occurred. We are gathering more information, and the squad announcement for the second Test will be made soon. The Cricket Regulator has been notified, and we will provide further updates when available,” the ECB stated, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Following their tour of Australia last winter, the ECB instituted a midnight curfew for players and staff due to several off-field incidents. This latest situation may pose a challenge for the ECB.
During the New Zealand tour, Brook was fined and reprimanded for a late-night incident involving a nightclub bouncer. Recently, during The Ashes, Ben Duckett faced backlash after being seen intoxicated in fan footage during a controversial mid-series break. Jacob Bethell also received a warning for his behavior during this incident.
Brook, who is the vice-captain of England’s Test team, is typically the main choice to lead the side in the second Test if Stokes cannot participate while the ECB investigation is ongoing.