Ben Stokes is set to make a comeback to the England squad for the third Test against New Zealand following his involvement in a nightclub incident. Stokes and his teammate Gus Atkinson breached team protocols by visiting a nightclub after their victory in the first Test at Lord’s.
Both players were omitted from the squad for the ongoing second Test at The Oval while investigations are ongoing into the incident, where a member of security staff was hit by a punch thrown by a Saracens rugby player.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator have conducted inquiries into the incident that occurred at The Rex Rooms nightclub. Despite initial speculations of potential consequences, Stokes is anticipated to return for the third Test at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
Stokes has been given time to assess his position and is currently playing for Durham in their County Championship match against Northamptonshire, while Atkinson is representing Surrey against Glamorgan. The ECB seems open to Stokes continuing his captaincy after handing it back to Joe Root for one match.
The incident has caused embarrassment to the England hierarchy, who had enforced a midnight curfew following a previous incident during the Ashes tour. The team culture was once again under scrutiny after the first Test of the summer, leading to discussions about enforcing a complete alcohol ban for players.
Brendon McCullum, the head coach, expressed concerns about Stokes’ well-being and emphasized the importance of supporting him during this time. The situation is gradually being resolved, with Stokes likely to make a return to the team.
Following Atkinson’s pivotal role in England’s victory over New Zealand at Lord’s, a group of players, including Stokes, continued celebrations at a pub in Parson’s Green before heading to The Rex Rooms nightclub, where the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
Stokes, who played a role in implementing the midnight curfew, had previously experienced a similar curfew after an incident involving another player. The ongoing investigations and discussions within the team indicate a desire to address the issue and move forward positively.
