Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are facing an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board after a nightclub incident in the early hours of Monday morning. The altercation involved a Saracens rugby academy player and has placed Stokes' captaincy under threat.
Incident Details
The pair breached the team's midnight curfew, which had been reinstated following criticism of England's professionalism during winter tours. According to reports, the rugby player threw a punch at Atkinson but struck an ECB security guard instead, leaving the guard requiring stitches. Both Stokes and Atkinson were uninjured and are described as 'not the aggressors'. Police were not involved.
ECB Investigation
The ECB announced both players committed a 'breach of team protocols' after celebrating Sunday's victory over New Zealand at Lord's. They are expected to be omitted from the second Test at the Kia Oval starting June 17. The ECB stated they are 'currently seeking further information' about the events.
Reputation Concerns
This incident adds to England's growing reputation problems, following multiple drinking incidents during the failed Ashes campaign. White-ball captain Harry Brooks was previously fined for a scuffle with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington. Head coach Brendon McCullum had warned players: 'Don't do anything that lands you on the front page of the paper and nothing good happens after midnight.'
Stokes previously missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour after being charged with affray following a Bristol nightclub incident, though he was later cleared.
