The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says men’s captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation following a nightclub incident.
The incident, the details of which have not been disclosed, occurred early on Monday morning, local time, after England’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.
“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 episode marks another setback for England, who faced scrutiny earlier this year during its 4-1 Ashes series defeat amid reports of heavy drinking during a mid-tour break in Noosa.
Following the series, England batter and limited-overs captain Harry Brook also drew attention over a previous altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand, for which he later issued a public apology.
Brook was fined $60,000 and given a final warning after the incident in Wellington on the eve of a white-ball match, in which he was captain.
Although the incident happened prior to the Ashes, the news only broke after the final Test against Australia at Sydney.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said in January that players would be subject to stricter measures, including a midnight curfew.
The latest breach adds renewed pressure on head coach Brendon McCullum, who retained his role across all formats in March following an ECB review, despite lingering concerns about team culture.
Stokes was previously involved in a 2017 incident outside a Bristol nightclub that led to an affray charge.
He missed the 2017/18 Ashes tour before being cleared the following summer.
The second Test of the three-match series against New Zealand begins on June 17 at The Oval.
Wires
By
