Investigation into protocol breach
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has initiated an investigation into an incident involving England captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson. The incident occurred at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning, following the conclusion of the first Test against New Zealand. The ECB stated that the pair were involved in a “breach of team protocols.”
This development follows England‘s 115-run victory over New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday. The ECB is currently seeking further information regarding the incident. The Cricket Regulator has been informed, and an update is expected to be provided in due course. An announcement concerning the squad for the second Test is also anticipated.
The investigation comes after previous controversies surrounding the England team’s off-field conduct. During an Ashes tour, allegations of a drinking culture emerged. Notably, white-ball captain Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington before a one-day international against New Zealand. This led to the implementation of a midnight curfew for all players and staff.
Team protocols and previous incidents
It is understood that the midnight curfew, which was first imposed for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, remained in effect despite the conclusion of the first Test. The current investigation is reported to involve more than just a breach of this curfew. Rob Key, director of cricket, previously investigated the team’s time in Noosa during the Ashes series but denied the presence of a drinking culture within the team.
In January, ECB chief executive Richard Gould confirmed that players would be subject to a midnight curfew and other restrictions. This decision was made in response to incidents in New Zealand and during the Ashes. Harry Brook, who is now the Test vice-captain and white-ball skipper, acknowledged that he was fortunate to retain his captaincy after his incident in Wellington, describing it as a “terrible mistake.” He received a final warning and was fined approximately £30,000.
Key has stated that while some players might be irresponsible with alcohol, he does not believe the team as a whole has a drinking problem. He emphasised the challenges faced by multi-format players due to the constant stress and scrutiny of international cricket. The aim is to find a balance where players can make responsible decisions, acknowledging that the Harry Brook incident had a significant impact.
Ben Stokes, 35, returned to lead the Test side at the start of the summer. He had previously been involved in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, which led to him being charged with affray. He was subsequently cleared of the charge the following summer but missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour.
Potential impact on squad selection
The outcome of the current investigation could influence the squad selection for the second Test against New Zealand. This includes the possible omission of both Stokes and Atkinson. Atkinson, 28, performed well in the first Test, taking seven wickets, including figures of 5-30 in the second innings. In contrast, Stokes had a challenging performance with the bat, scoring 12 in his first innings and a three-ball duck in the second.
Some analysis suggests that if the investigation reveals a serious incident involving Stokes in a London nightclub, it could potentially jeopardise his captaincy. Even a minor offence could raise questions about his judgment, especially as this Test marked his first involvement with England since the curfew was introduced. The reputation of English cricket is considered to be at risk of significant damage.
The England squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on 17 June at The Oval, is expected to be named soon.
Read Also
Source: bbc.co.uk
