Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson face investigation over ‘nightclub incident’
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are investigating Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over a ‘breach of team protocols’ during an incident at a nightclub.
England beat New Zealand in the first Test of their series at Lord’s on Sunday, with both Stokes and Atkinson playing in London.
The incident – the nature of which has not yet been reported – took place early on Monday morning.
A statement from the ECB read: ‘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.’
England won the first Test against New Zealand by 115 runs, with the second starting on June 17 at The Oval.
The investigation comes after heavy criticism for the England team for their off-field behaviour during the Ashes series over the winter in Australia.
A mid-series trip to Noosa saw a video of a seemingly very drunk Ben Duckett emerge.
Harry Brook was also involved in an incident in October in Wellington, New Zealand.
The Yorkshire batter was ‘clocked’ by a nightclub bouncer after ‘one too many drinks’ the night before a One Day International.
Rob Key, the director of cricket, has denied a drinking culture exists in the England team.
Key told Sky Sports: ‘I don’t think they have a drinking problem. I don’t think it’s fair to put everyone into that bracket. I think the majority of those players are unbelievably diligent and will do whatever they can to try and maximise their potential and play as well as they can for England.
‘Like a lot of teams, there’s two or three players that can be irresponsible with alcohol given that opportunity. What we’re trying to do is try and find that happy medium.
‘It’s not about drinking so they can get away from the game. Cricket is different to a lot of other sports, especially international cricket. When you are away for the entire year, almost even if you’re playing at home, you’re away.
‘The stress, the scrutiny on these multi-format players is tough. So, can we be better? Do we need to keep evolving? I think the game does, to be honest, and that’s not a problem I’m going to be able to solve on my own. We need to be able to create opportunities and situations where these players can make the right decisions.
‘We can take away the temptation, but as I said, it’s finding that sweet spot in the middle. Because you go too hard on them, like your kids, then they rebel one way. For the most part, this team, we try to trust them as much as we can and they’ve made good decisions.’
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson face investigation over ‘nightclub incident’
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