England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson beneath investigation as ECB launch assertion
After England beat New Zealand in their latest international test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have issued a statement regarding Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson
Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes are under investigation by the ECB(Image: News Images/NurPhoto)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed they are investigating Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for a “breach of team protocols”. The weekend had been a good one for Stokes and Atkinson.
They overcame New Zealand by 115 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against the Black Caps. Atkinson’s 5-30 was particularly important to bowling New Zealand out for 138.
However, England captain Stokes and Atkinson are now under investigation from the ECB, after the pair were involved in a “breach of team protocols” in the early hours of Monday morning, less than one day after the victory at Lord’s on Sunday.
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A statement from the ECB said: “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 investigation not long proceeds England’s disappointing Ashes Series in Australia, which saw them lose 4-1 to the Aussies. However, the players involved were also widely accused of having an out-of-control drinking culture within the team.
These were widely focussed on a boozy mid-series trip to the Australian coastal town of Noosa, where a video of an allegedly intoxicated Ben Duckett was uploaded on social media.
Before the Ashes tour began, white-ball skipper Harry Brook was also struck by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, not long before a one-day international against New Zealand.
This incident prompted the ECB to impose a midnight curfew on all players and staff involved with cricket duty.
When the Ashes series came to an end in January, further details of Brook’s incident came to light. After he had initially claimed to have been alone, it later emerged Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present at the time.
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