Stokes and Atkinson cleared of wrongdoing, ready for third Test
England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been exonerated of any wrongdoing regarding violence at a London nightclub and will rejoin the national squad for the crucial third Test against New Zealand, reports BritPanorama.
The series decider at Trent Bridge begins on Thursday, with Stokes reinstated as skipper following an ECB investigation that concluded neither player bore responsibility for the altercation that occurred while celebrating England’s first Test triumph at Lord’s.
Both players were stood down from the second Test at The Oval, which England lost by 253 runs, while the inquiry took place. The Cricket Regulator has separately determined neither player faces any further case to answer.
The ECB disciplinary hearing established that Stokes and Atkinson had violated specific contractual requirements obliging England players to uphold the highest behavioural standards and act in cricket’s best interests. As punishment, both received formal written warnings regarding their conduct.
Their exclusion from the second Test constituted the only additional sanction imposed, with the pair having broken a midnight curfew that was enforced for the squad. “No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub,” the ECB stated in its findings.
The governing body’s investigation cleared both men of any involvement in the physical confrontation that left a security staff member requiring medical treatment. The incident unfolded in the early hours following England’s 115-run victory in the opening Test. Saracens rugby player Totoa Avuaa was identified as having attacked both Atkinson and a member of England’s security team during the nightclub episode.
The security staff member was left bloodied and needed medical attention after being struck. “Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident,” the ECB confirmed. “The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.”
The midnight curfew was implemented after drinking-related incidents marred England’s winter tours, including an episode in New Zealand where Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer. In the days following their suspension from international duty, both players turned out for their county sides, with Stokes featuring for Durham while Atkinson represented Surrey in Championship fixtures this week. However, they were withdrawn from the final two days of their respective county matches as preparations began for their potential return to the England setup.
The third Test will determine the outcome of the series after the teams split the opening two matches. With Stokes back at the helm, anticipation builds for a decisive clash where the stakes are undeniably high.
