The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after they were involved in a nightclub incident following England's victory over New Zealand at Lord's.
Breach of curfew
The pair were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, violating a midnight curfew imposed on players after disciplinary concerns during the Ashes series and the preceding tour of New Zealand. The ECB confirmed in a statement that an incident took place while Stokes, 35, and Atkinson, 28, were at the venue.
Stokes and Atkinson had helped England secure a 115-run win in the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on Sunday. The victory eased pressure on the team following a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
Previous concerns over drinking culture
Reports of excessive drinking during the Ashes tour, particularly during a break in Noosa, had already raised alarm. Harry Brook was fined £30,000 after a drunken incident in Wellington, where he was denied entry to a nightclub. Brook issued a grovelling apology, acknowledging his failure to meet professional standards.
Stokes himself was cleared of affray in 2018 after a street brawl near a Bristol nightclub following an ODI against West Indies.
ECB statement and next steps
The ECB stated: "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 Cricket Regulator has been informed."
Atkinson took 5-30 as New Zealand were bowled out for 138 on a challenging Lord's pitch. The win gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The investigation is a potential embarrassment for the team, which has faced criticism over discipline. An ECB review of the Ashes tour retained head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, despite allegations of a relaxed culture.
