Ben Stokes may get dropped as England captain following an incident at a nightclub, also involving team-mate Gus Atkinson and a Saracens academy player with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launching an investigation.
The ECB in a statement said that they are “investigating a breach of team protocols” by Stokes and Atkinson following England’s win over New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday.
Following the incident, England have delayed the announcement of the squad for the second Test with media reports emerging that Stokes is “fighting to keep his job” as England captain.
“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,” the statement read.
“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.”
Saracens rugby team have confirmed that they are aware of an incident involving one of their academy players and are currently trying to gather all the details. According to a report by The Telegraph, some Saracens players were also present at the venue where the incident took place.
“We are aware of an incident involving an academy player linked to Saracens on Sunday evening,” the club said in a statement.
“The club is working to establish the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once we have all the information, the matter will be reviewed and dealt with appropriately.
“We will not be making any further comments at this stage.”
The club has not revealed the identity of the academy player involved.
Meanwhile, England are set to play the second Test against New Zealand from June 17, with Harry Brook expected to captain the side at The Oval, with Stokes unlikely to feature and likely to be given some time away from the squad.
Brook has also faced disciplinary action in the past. Last October, he was fined and officially reprimanded after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, shortly before leading England in a One-Day International against New Zealand.
