ECB Investigates Stokes and Atkinson Over Nightclub Incident After England’s 115-Run Lord’s Win
England captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation after an incident at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning following the first Test win over New Zealand.
The GuardianThe England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson for a breach of team protocols after an incident at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning. The ECB confirmed the pair were present when the incident took place following England’s 115-run win over New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday.
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The board stated it is seeking further information and will announce the squad for the second Test in due course.
The Cricket Regulator has been informed. England imposed a midnight curfew on players and staff after white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand in October. Brook initially claimed to have been alone, but it later emerged he was with Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.
The team faced criticism for off-field conduct during the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, including a mid-series trip to the coastal town of Noosa. A video posted on social media showed opener Ben Duckett appearing intoxicated after that trip. Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the Noosa visit but denied the team had a drinking culture.
Gus Atkinson took five wickets for 30 runs in the second innings at Lord’s. The first Test was England’s first since their Ashes series loss.
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