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Ben Stokes' future as England captain has been thrown into doubt following an undisclosed incident involving him and Gus Atkinson at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday (June 8) morning. The incident, which occurred after England's 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's, is being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The ECB described the matter as a breach of team protocols and confirmed that it has been referred to the Cricket Regulator. As the investigation continues, both Stokes and Atkinson are expected to miss the second Test against New Zealand, which begins on June 17 at The Oval.
Neither player was injured in the incident. It is understood that the dispute involved members of Saracens Rugby Club, who were celebrating the end of their season at the venue, and originated from a disagreement between Atkinson and an unnamed academy player.
"The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men's Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course. The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible,” the ECB statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
England introduced a midnight curfew for players and staff following their tour of Australia last winter, during which several incidents of off-field behaviour attracted significant scrutiny. The timing of the latest episode is therefore likely to prove embarrassing for the ECB.
During the Australia tour, Harry Brook was fined and reprimanded after a late-night altercation involving a nightclub bouncer, while Jacob Bethell received a warning over his conduct in the same incident. Ben Duckett also drew criticism after appearing visibly intoxicated in footage recorded by a fan during a controversial mid-series break in Noosa.
Brook, who serves as England's Test vice-captain, would ordinarily be the leading candidate to captain the side in the second Test should Stokes be unavailable while the ECB investigation is ongoing.
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