Stokes & Atkinson investigated over nightclub incident

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ben Stokes made scores of 12 & 0 against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's By Stephan Shemilt Cricket Correspondent Published 8 June 2026, 18:14 BST Updated 11 minutes ago The England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating an incident in a nightclub involving captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson following the first Test against New Zealand. An ECB statement said the pair were involved in a "breach of team protocols" in the early hours of Monday morning, after the conclusion of England's win at Lord's on Sunday. It is the latest controversy to hit the England team following an Ashes tour dogged with allegations of a drinking culture. Before the Ashes, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand. As a result, England imposed a midnight curfew on all players and staff. "The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men's Test against New Zealand," said the statement. "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." England were criticised for their off-field conduct during the 4-1 defeat in Australia, particularly a boozy mid-series holiday to the coastal town of Noosa. In the aftermath of the trip to Noosa, a video of Ben Duckett was posted on social media, with the opener appearing to be intoxicated. Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the time in Noosa, but denied the team had a drinking culture. At the end of the Ashes series in January, details of the incident involving Brook in October were revealed. Brook initially claimed to have been alone at the nightclub in Wellington, only for it to emerge that he was alongside Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue. Related topics Cricket England Men's Cricket Team More on this story McCullum backs captain Stokes to find batting form Published 6 hours ago Get cricket news sent straight to your phone Published 7 hours ago