News MAKING NEWS
Making News

Stokes, Atkinson under investigation for nightclub incident

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson are being investigated for breaking team rules in a nightclub incident.

The incident happened after the first Test against New Zealand which ended on Sunday.

It is the latest controversy concerning the England team following a tour of Australia where the side was confronted with allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss concluded in January.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the governing body said.

“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.”

McCullum ‘hopeful’ Archer available for second Test

“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”

Before the Ashes, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand.

As a result, England imposed a midnight curfew on all players and staff.

The BBC, however, reported the curfew was still in place despite the first Test being over, and the investigation relates to more than a breach of the curfew.

England thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs before lunch on Sunday’s fourth day at Lord’s to go 1-0 up in a three-match series as they enjoyed a comprehensive victory in their first Test match since their humiliating Ashes defeat

The second Test, across London at the Oval, starts on June 17.

— AFP

Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Newsletter

SA Cricket Mag

Get the latest cricket news delivered to your inbox every morning.