England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are reportedly under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board for allegedly breaching team protocols following England’s 115-run victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the first Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
In an official statement, the ECB confirmed that Stokes and Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, where “an incident took place.” However, the board did not disclose any further details and stated that it is awaiting additional information before determining any course of action.
The ECB also confirmed that an announcement regarding England’s squad for the second Test at The Oval, scheduled to begin on June 17, will be made in due course.
The development adds to a series of off-field controversies involving England players in recent years. In October last year, white-ball captain Harry Brook was involved in a confrontation with a nightclub bouncer on the eve of an ODI against New Zealand in Wellington. Brook later apologised for the incident and was fined £30,000.
During the Ashes series, reports also surfaced alleging excessive drinking by England players during a mid-tour retreat in Noosa, prompting team director Rob Key to order an internal review.
Stokes himself has previously been at the centre of controversy after being arrested following a nightclub altercation in Bristol in September 2017. He was subsequently suspended before being cleared of affray charges by a court.
