England’s Ben Stokes has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming test match against New Zealand following an ongoing investigation into a nightclub altercation. Stokes, along with Gus Atkinson and a Saracens rugby player, was reportedly involved in the incident. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Stokes has lost his captaincy and will not participate in the match.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ECB stated that due to the investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson will not be part of the squad for the Rothesay 2nd Test at the Kia Oval. Yorkshire’s Joe Root will take over as the Interim Captain, with Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox joining the squad.
Vice captain Harry Brook has been overlooked, with Joe Root assuming the captaincy role. The investigation by the ECB is ongoing, focusing on a breach of team protocols after the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. The incident involving Stokes and Atkinson at the nightclub is under scrutiny, with further updates expected.
Saracens also issued a statement acknowledging the involvement of an academy player in the incident and stated that they are investigating the matter. The first test against New Zealand ended with an England victory, and the second test is scheduled to commence at The Oval next week.
The England squad for the upcoming test match includes players like 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.
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