Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke the England cricket team's midnight curfew after the first Test win over New Zealand, attending a nightclub where a fight broke out involving a member of England's security team and Saracens player Totoa Auvaa in the early hours of June 7 [1, 2]. Both players have been omitted from England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval due to the ongoing English Cricket Board (ECB) investigation into the incident. An ECB statement said, "given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the second Test against New Zealand" [1, 3].
Joe Root was named England's interim captain for the second Test, returning to the role after previously captaining England in a record 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022 [1, 4, 3]. Despite being the current limited-overs captain and vice-captain of the Test team, Harry Brook was overlooked for the interim captaincy [1, 4].
The ECB, the cricket regulator, and Saracens rugby club are conducting separate investigations into the nightclub fight. The ECB's inquiry is expected to conclude within weeks, while other related investigations could take months [1, 2, 3]. Amid the controversy, 35-year-old Stokes has sought time to consider his future, spending significant time with his agent and advisers following the incident [2, 3].
England's squad for the second Test includes additions such as Jofra Archer, Jordan Cox, and potentially Sonny Baker and James Rew. Some frontline bowlers are unavailable due to injury or suspension [1, 3]. The team's culture and professionalism have been questioned following this and other recent off-field issues during a challenging period for England cricket [2, 3].
The ECB is expected to announce further decisions once investigations conclude. The second Test against New Zealand at The Oval is scheduled to proceed without Stokes and Atkinson, with Root leading the side.
