Ben Stokes’ captaincy in trouble after nightclub controversy:ECB launches probe into incident involving Gus Atkinson during Lord’s Test festivities

England’s Ben Stokes’ captaincy is on the line after it has come to light that the team’s Test skipper and pacer Gus Atkinson are under investigation for violating team protocols through an undisclosed “incident” after being found present at a nightclub on Monday. The incident, described by the ECB as “a breach of team protocols”, happened after England’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s. According to ESPN, the gravity of the incident is serious enough that Ben Stokes might not be part of the 2nd Test against New Zealand, starting on 17 June. The incident that has put Ben Stokes’ captaincy in jeopardy Reportedly, the incident that took place at the nightclub involved Stokes, Atkinson, and players from Saracens Rugby Club. Nobody was hurt in the incident, but it has been learned that the issue stemmed from a disagreement between Atkinson and an unnamed academy player. Notably, the Rugby club players were present at the nightclub for their end-of-season celebrations. ECB’s statement after reported incident After the incident, a statement from the ECB said, “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.” ECB also said that the announcement of the squad for the second Test at The Oval, starting June 17, will be made in due course. “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 statement added. England players were also involved in controversy during the Ashes This is the second such instance of England coming under scanner for their off-field behaviour in recent months, with Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell coming under the radar for partying and allegedly being drunk during their team’s trip to Noosa following two crushing losses to Australia away from home in the Ashes last year. Harry Brook, England’s limited-overs skipper, was also reportedly involved in an altercation during a tour to New Zealand preceding the Ashes series. Ben Stokes’ issue with disciplinary actions is not new Stokes’ disciplinary issues are not new, as he was involved in a late-night street fight after an ODI in Bristol in 2017. He was not found guilty legally but was fined and handed a back-dated suspension for bringing the game into disrepute by the ECB’s cricket discipline commission. Moreover, the England captain revealed last year that he had given up alcohol, but said during his post-match press conference on Sunday afternoon that he was looking forward to sharing “a proper beer with the boys” in the dressing room after England had wrapped up a much-needed win. He had said, “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. I probably won’t be real happy and smiling until I get up there and share a proper beer with the boys.” Coming to the Lord’s Test, England secured a 115-run win in a low-scoring contest that lasted less than four days. Ollie Robinson was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his seven wickets in the match, including a first innings five-wicket haul.