England Test captain Ben Stokes and fast-bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation for an undisclosed "incident" at a nightclub after England's victory over New Zealand in the first of the three Tests at Lord's, ESPN Cricinfo reported. The said incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning after England's 115-run win over the Blackcaps on Sunday, June 7.
"The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men's Test against New Zealand," the ECB stated in a statement on Monday. "Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.
Stokes, Atkinson could miss the second Test
Meanwhile, the ECB has hinted that Stokes and Atkinson could end up missing the second Test match against the Kiwis, which starts on June 17 at the Oval. It stated that the board is "investigating a breach of team protocols". Atkinson took a five-wicket haul in the second innings for the Three Lions to set up a big win in the opener. "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," the ECB statement said.
After his team's win over the Kiwis, Stokes had said that he was looking to share "a proper beer with the boys" in the dressing room. "I knew how big this game was in terms of the result and how it was going to be perceived externally if it didn't go well, but now it's gone well," Stokes said. "I probably won't be really happy and smiling until I get up there and share a proper beer with the boys."
England introduced team curfew
Meanwhile, England had introduced a team curfew after their Ashes tour to Australia, where several of their players were caught in disciplinary issues. Reports claimed that several England players indulged in heavy drinking between the second and third Test matches in the Ashes. England were already hit hard by the Harry Brook nightclub incident in New Zealand in November 2025. Brook had an altercation with a bouncer at a nightclub and was close to losing his white-ball captaincy, but was let go after being hit with a fine. The incident remained under the blanket until it came to light in early January, with England's defeat in the fifth Ashes Test.
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