England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for a breach of team protocols following a nightclub incident. The ECB confirmed the probe on Monday, less than 24 hours after England's 115-run victory over New Zealand at Lord's in the first Test of the series.
Victory marred by protocol breach
The weekend had been a successful one for Stokes and Atkinson, as England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against the Black Caps. Atkinson's impressive 5-30 helped bowl New Zealand out for 138 in their second innings. However, the pair are now under scrutiny after being present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, violating a midnight curfew imposed on players by the team management.
ECB statement
An ECB spokesperson said: "The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men's Test against New Zealand. 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 and we will provide a further update when possible."
Previous concerns over drinking culture
The investigation comes shortly after England's disappointing Ashes series in Australia, where they lost 4-1. During that tour, players were widely accused of having an out-of-control drinking culture. A boozy mid-series trip to the Australian coastal town of Noosa led to a video of an allegedly intoxicated Ben Duckett being shared on social media. Before the Ashes tour began, white-ball captain Harry Brook was struck by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, just before a one-day international against New Zealand. That incident prompted the ECB to impose a midnight curfew on all players and staff on cricket duty. Further details later emerged that Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present with Brook at the time, contrary to his initial claim of being alone.
England will now await the outcome of the investigation before naming their squad for the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on Friday at Trent Bridge.
