Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been omitted from England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand, with Joe Root returning as interim captain. The pair are under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following an incident at a nightclub after the first Test win at Lord's.
Stokes, who has been vice-captain, is reportedly considering his future in the role. England have opted to install Root as stand-in skipper, despite Harry Brook serving as Test vice-captain since the Ashes. Root previously captained England in a record 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022.
The decision comes after Brook himself faced disciplinary action earlier this year, being fined by the ECB for an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand. Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have been added to the squad for the Oval Test, starting Wednesday 17 June.
Stokes and Atkinson are believed to have breached a midnight curfew and been involved in an incident with Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa, during which a member of England's security staff was reportedly struck. Their participation in the third Test at Trent Bridge remains uncertain.
Root's return as captain is seen as a stabilising measure as England deal with another disciplinary issue. He has a clean disciplinary record and will face the press alongside head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the second Test.
