According to The Telegraph, Ben Stokes has been omitted from England’s squad for the second Test after breaching curfew, with the ECB standing him down while it investigates events in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win at Lord’s.
In his absence, England have turned to Joe Root rather than vice-captain Harry Brook, handing the senior batter an unexpected return to leadership duties.
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At 35, Root steps back into the role four years after relinquishing the captaincy, which ended with just one win in his final 17 Tests. He previously led England in a record 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022.
Root’s return comes after a period in which he has flourished under Stokes, rediscovering his best form after stepping away from leadership. His elevation had once appeared unlikely, but circumstances have forced an immediate rethink.
Brook, who had been in line as vice-captain, has also been passed over for the role, despite his growing influence within the side.
Stokes’s absence stems from a breach of England’s reintroduced curfew policy, which was strongly supported by the captain himself. Following England’s 1-0 series lead, he and Atkinson remained out past midnight, with an incident involving England’s security staff during the early hours.
Both Stokes and Atkinson have been left out of the squad for the second Test at the Oval, starting Wednesday, with ECB director of cricket Rob Key expected to address the situation.
Stokes has returned to the north-east and met with management to discuss his future. He is understood to be considering his long-term international career, including whether to continue as captain.
In a column for Telegraph Sport, former England captain Michael Vaughan backed Stokes to remain in charge, writing: “Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew. Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as England’s Test captain? I don’t think so.”
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Former fast bowler Steve Harmison echoed that view, telling Talksport: “He’s one of the best captains we’ve ever had. To lose him because he’s stayed out after 12 o’clock – the world has gone mad.”
In their absence, Jofra Archer returns to the Test squad after a break in Barbados following the IPL. He could come into the XI if deemed ready, potentially replacing Atkinson.
Jordan Cox has also been added to the squad.
The balance of Stokes’s all-round role remains the key selection challenge, with Rehan Ahmed and James Rew among the options. A reshuffle could see Shoaib Bashir miss out on a seam-friendly surface, with Sonny Baker also in contention.
Atkinson has been training at the Oval and has shown no ill effects, bowling strongly for Surrey in the County Championship against Hampshire.
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