Ben Stokes has been dropped from the England team for the upcoming second test against New Zealand following an investigation into an incident at a nightclub. Reports indicated that Stokes was involved in a confrontation with Gus Atkinson, a security member, and a Saracens rugby player. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Stokes will no longer serve as captain and has been excluded from the squad until the investigation concludes.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the ECB stated that Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are not eligible for selection for the upcoming test match against New Zealand at the Kia Oval. Joe Root, a Yorkshire batsman, will assume the role of Interim Captain for the team. Additionally, Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have been included in the squad.
Vice-captain Harry Brook has been left out of the squad, with Joe Root taking over the captaincy duties. The incident in question is being investigated by the ECB for a breach of team protocols, and further updates on the squad composition for the second test will be provided in due course.
Saracens issued a statement acknowledging their awareness of an incident involving one of their academy players and stated that they are in the process of gathering all necessary information to address the matter appropriately.
Following a victory in the first test against New Zealand by 115 runs, the upcoming test at The Oval is eagerly awaited and scheduled to commence next week. The England squad for the second test includes players such as Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.
