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England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson under investigation over nightclub incident

After England beat New Zealand in their latest international test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have issued a statement regarding Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson

[Gus Atkinson of England speaks to England captain Ben Stokes during the 1st Rothesay Test Match Day 2 between England and New Zealand at Lords, London, United Kingdom, on June 5, 2026]

Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes are under investigation by the ECB(Image: News Images/NurPhoto)

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed they are investigating Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for a "breach of team protocols" after a nightclub incident.

The weekend had been a good one for Stokes and Atkinson. They overcame New Zealand by 115 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against the Black Caps. Atkinson's 5-30 was particularly important to bowling New Zealand out for 138.

However, England captain Stokes and Atkinson are now under investigation from the ECB, after the pair were involved in a "breach of team protocols" in the early hours of Monday morning, less than one day after the victory at Lord's on Sunday. The pair were in a nightclub, which breached a midnight curfew England had imposed on players.

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A statement from the ECB said: "The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Mens 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."

[Gus Atkinson of England celebrates with Ben Stokes after dismissing Alex Carey of Australia during day three of the Second 2025/26 Ashes Series Test Match between Australia and England at The Gabba on December 06, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia]

Stokes and Atkinson were vital against New Zealand(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

The investigation not long proceeds England's disappointing Ashes Series in Australia, which saw them lose 4-1 to the Aussies. However, the players involved were also widely accused of having an out-of-control drinking culture within the team.

These were widely focussed on a boozy mid-series trip to the Australian coastal town of Noosa, where a video of an allegedly intoxicated Ben Duckett was uploaded on social media.

Before the Ashes tour began, white-ball skipper Harry Brook was also struck by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, not long before a one-day international against New Zealand.

[England's Ben Stokes walks past the trophy during the presentation ceremony at the end of the fifth Ashes cricket Test between Australia and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on January 8, 2026]

England were accused of having a heavy drinking culture during the disappointing Ashes series(Image: AFP or licensors)

This incident prompted the ECB to impose a midnight curfew on all players and staff involved with cricket duty.

When the Ashes series came to an end in January, further details of Brook's incident came to light. After he had initially claimed to have been alone, it later emerged Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present at the time.

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