ECB probes Stokes and Atkinson over nightclub breach of protocol

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed it is investigating England captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson for a breach of team protocols. The inquiry stems from an incident at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, following England’s victory in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday.

In a statement, the ECB confirmed that both players were present at the venue when the incident occurred. The board stated it is currently seeking further information and will provide an update when possible. The Cricket Regulator has been formally informed of the investigation.

An announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course. Stokes scored 12 and 0 against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s, but his current availability remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing probe.

This development adds to recent scrutiny surrounding the England team’s off-field conduct. The team’s Ashes tour in Australia was characterised by allegations of a drinking culture, particularly following a mid-series holiday to Noosa. Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the trip but denied the existence of a drinking culture, despite social media footage appearing to show opener Ben Duckett intoxicated.

Further context to the current controversy includes an incident in October where white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington. England subsequently imposed a midnight curfew on all players and staff. Details of that incident were revealed at the end of the Ashes series in January, after it emerged Brook was not alone at the venue as initially claimed.