London, June 10: England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were on Wednesday dropped from the 15-member squad for the second Test against New Zealand due the ongoing investigation into their alleged involvement in a nightclub incident, the country’s cricket board said.
Senior batter Joe Root was named interim captain in place of Stokes. The second Test will played at The Oval here from June 17-21.
“The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay second Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June. Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain,” the ECB said in an official statement.
Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer and Essex batter Jordan Cox have also been added to the squad.
According to reports, Stokes was allegedly involved in a nightclub incident alongside teammate Gus Atkinson. The incident, also allegedly involving a rugby player, happened on Sunday night after England outplayed New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test of the summer at Lord’s.
Stokes and Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place, according to reports.
‘TalkSport’ reported on Tuesday that Stokes is likely to step down from his role and could also announce retirement.
The ECB had earlier said that it was investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Test against New Zealand. (PTI)
Stokes to hold crisis talks as Test future hangs in balance
London, June 10: Ben Stokes will meet with his advisors on Wednesday to decide on his future, with the ECB giving England’s Test captain room to weigh up his options amid fears he could retire from international cricket.
The ECB and the Cricket Regulator are investigating a nightclub incident after the first Test against New Zealand, in which Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke the team curfew and got into a fracas with Saracens rugby player, Totoa Auvaa. The incident left an England security officer needing stitches and put the spotlight back on the England dressing-room and management, after promises to improve behaviours and culture around the team following off-the-field indiscretions over the winter.
The governing body on Wednesday dropped the pair from the squad of the 2nd Test against New Zealand for their breach of team protocol. However, they are keen to let Stokes come to his own decision around his future, having been spooked by the prospect of the England captain retiring altogether.
Those fears led to an emergency executive board meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss the matter. At that point, there were strong suggestions Stokes was fed up and keen to call time on a 15-year career. Such has been the breakdown of communication between Stokes and the ECB, some feared they would only be informed of his decision via a post on his Instagram page.
Retirement remains a live issue, but there is optimism that Stokes has cooled on that nuclear option. He will meet with his long-time agent, Neil Fairbrother, the former England and Lancashire batter, to determine the best course of action. Offered the chance to resign on Monday, the 35-year old may yet take the chance to step down and carry on through to the end of his central contract, in 2027, after the next Ashes. He could also opt to relinquish the captaincy and take an indefinite break from the game. (Agencies)
