ENG vs NZ, 2nd Test: England have suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, with Ben Stokes ruled out amid the ongoing investigation into the London nightclub incident. The ECB confirmed that both Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for the match, with Joe Root set to lead the side as interim captain.
ENG vs NZ, 2nd Test: Has Ben Stokes played his final match for England?
Having announced the squad, Stokes’ future remains uncertain as the all-rounder and the England Cricket Board (ECB) aRE yet to take a call on the same. A nightclub incident following the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, in which Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were involved in a spat with Rugby player Totoa Auvaa has forced the England Cricket Board (ECB) to investigate it since it was a breach of protocols by the duo. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the incident left an English security officer needing stitches and put the limelight back on the England cricket team over the ‘drinking culture’ and behaviour. Both Stokes and Atkinson are likely to face disciplinary action, there are strong suggestions that the latter could also call time on his illustrious 15-year-career.
ESPN Cricinfo reported that the ECB gave him the option of voluntarily stepping down as captain and continue in the team as a player. If the 35-year-old doesn’t take that option, ECB can still remove him from the post of a leader for breaking the protocols.
ENG vs NZ, 2nd Test: Joe Root to captain England for the first time since 2022
Meanwhile, Root is set to captain the Test side for the first time since 2022 when he stepped down to hand over the reins to Stokes. The Yorkshire batter is the most successful England Test skipper, having won 27 matches out of 64 from 2017 to 2022. As captain, the elegant right-hander has scored 5295 runs, averaging a healthy 46.44 with 14 hundreds and 26 half-centuries.
England squad for 2nd Test: Joe Root (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
The hosts hold a series lead of 1-0 after a 115-run victory at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
