England Test captain Ben Stokes could miss the second Test against New Zealand national cricket team after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launched an investigation into an incident at a nightclub following England’s win at Lord’s.
The ECB confirmed on Monday that Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation for what it described as a breach of team protocols.
The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Monday after England secured a 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s. Reports suggest the matter involved players from Saracens Rugby Club, who were celebrating the end of their season at the same venue.
According to reports, a disagreement occurred between Atkinson and an academy player connected to Saracens. Neither Stokes nor Atkinson suffered any injuries during the incident.
The ECB said it has referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator and will provide further updates after gathering more information.
“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the board said in a statement.
“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.”
The investigation has created uncertainty around Stokes’ future as England captain. ESPNcricinfo reported that the matter appears serious enough for the all-rounder to consider his position as skipper.
England are due to play the second Test at The Oval on June 17, but both Stokes and Atkinson could miss the match while the investigation continues.
If Stokes becomes unavailable, vice-captain Harry Brook is the leading candidate to captain the side.
The latest controversy comes only months after England introduced a midnight curfew for players and staff following concerns about off-field behaviour during their Ashes tour of Australia.
Earlier this year, Brook received a fine and a reprimand after a late-night incident involving a bouncer. Young batter Jacob Bethell also received a warning for his conduct. Meanwhile, opener Ben Duckett drew attention after fans filmed him appearing intoxicated during a break in Noosa.
Stokes himself spoke about celebrating England’s win shortly after the first Test ended. During his post-match press conference, he said he looked forward to enjoying “a proper beer with the boys” after the team secured an important victory.
The England captain revealed last year that he had stopped drinking alcohol but admitted he wanted to celebrate the result with his teammates.
Stokes has faced disciplinary issues before. In 2017, he became involved in a late-night street fight in Bristol after an ODI match. A court later cleared him of affray, but the ECB fined him and handed him a suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.
England head coach Brendon McCullum previously stressed the importance of responsible behaviour away from the field.
“The first thing I said to these boys is ‘don’t do anything that lands you on the front page of the paper’, and ‘nothing good happens after midnight’,” McCullum said earlier this year.
England have not yet announced their squad for the second Test, and the outcome of the investigation could have a major impact on the team’s preparations for the match at The Oval.
