Ben Stokes will return to captain England in the third Test against New Zealand after the ECB concluded its investigation into the nightclub incident that led to his omission from the second Test. Pace bowler Gus Atkinson has also been recalled after both players served a one-match disciplinary sanction.
The pair had been left out of the second Test at The Oval while the England and Wales Cricket Board investigated events following England’s victory at Lord’s earlier this month. In an official statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the governing body confirmed that while Stokes and Atkinson had breached team conduct rules, neither player was responsible for the violence that occurred during the incident.
“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June,” the statement read.
The ECB added that both players had “breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket.” As a result, the duo received written warnings and were not considered for selection for the second Test.
However, the board also made it clear that the players were not at fault for the altercation itself. “It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.”
The decision follows a dramatic weekend in which both players were withdrawn from their respective County Championship fixtures at the ECB’s request. Stokes had made a rapid 95 for Durham before being pulled out, while Atkinson was withdrawn from Surrey’s match against Glamorgan, signalling their likely return to the national setup.
WHY DID ENGLAND DROP BEN STOKES?
The controversy stemmed from celebrations following England’s victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.
Stokes and Atkinson were reported to have breached England’s newly introduced midnight curfew after visiting a nightclub in Chelsea during the early hours of June 8. The curfew had been implemented by managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum as part of a wider effort to improve standards and discipline following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign.
The situation escalated when a physical altercation took place outside the venue. Reports suggested an ECB security liaison officer accompanying the players was struck during the incident and later required stitches. The ECB subsequently launched an investigation and ruled both players out of the second Test while disciplinary proceedings were ongoing.
WHAT NEXT FOR STOKES-LED ENGLAND?
With the investigation now complete, England can turn their full attention back to cricket as they prepare for the third Test at Trent Bridge.
Stokes returns not only as captain but also as one of England’s most influential all-rounders, while Atkinson’s comeback strengthens the pace attack. England will be hoping the episode is now behind them as they look to maintain momentum against New Zealand and keep their focus firmly on the remainder of the series.
ENGLAND SQUAD FOR 3RD TEST VS NEW ZEALAND:
Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.
– Ends
