ECB probes Stokes and Atkinson after nightclub incident

The England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson for a reported breach of team protocols following an incident at a London nightclub in the early hours of Monday, June 8, less than a day after England's victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's. The investigation has delayed the announcement of the squad for the second Test and could result in both players missing the match.

In a statement, the ECB said it was "currently investigating a breach of team protocols" and confirmed that Stokes and Atkinson "were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place." The independent Cricket Regulator has been informed of the matter. According to reports, the players were out after a team curfew that has been in place since the winter. England's squad announcement for the second Test, scheduled to begin at The Oval on June 17, is now pending the outcome of the investigation.

This latest incident revives scrutiny of off-field conduct within the England team following a series of controversies over the past year. Before the Ashes tour of Australia, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched...