England Test captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes has broken his silence for the first time since his suspension following the late-night incident at Chelsea. The England captain posted a short message on social media, supporting his teammates and wishing them all the best ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin on Thursday, June 17 at The Kia Oval in London. England lead the match with a 1-0 lead after a 115-run win in the series opener at Lord’s. However, Stokes will miss the game due to his suspension, as former captain Joe Root is set to lead the team.
Ben Stokes breaks silence for the first time after nightclub controversy
First time we’ve heard from Ben Stokes since Lord’s
“Go well this week guys. Keep doing what you do buddies ” pic.twitter.com/2wg8CloUhq
– Will MacPherson (@willis_macp) June 16, 2026
Ben Stokes took to his Instagram Story to send a message of support to the England team ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. The suspended England captain wished the team all the best and encouraged the Test debutants during the match at the Oval.
“Go well this week guys. Newcomers will love what you’re doing,” Stokes wrote on Instagram.
The ECB had suspended Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson on June 8 after they violated the team curfew. The disciplinary action follows an incident involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auwa at a Chelsea nightclub, during which a member of the ECB security staff was injured.
The investigation by the ECB and the cricket regulator is still ongoing. With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root will captain England in the second Test. He struggled in the First Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, scoring 12 runs in two innings and bowling 1/34 from seven overs.
James Reeve gets first Test call-up after Jamie Smith’s withdrawal
England made a late change to their playing eleven ahead of the second Test against New Zealand after Jamie Smith withdrew following the birth of his second child. Smith will be with his teammates and family, while James Reeve received his first Test call-up.
“Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman James Reeve has been called up to the England men’s XI for the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand in place of Jamie Smith. Smith has been withdrawn from the Test match following the birth of his second child today, allowing him to be with his partner and family,” an ECB statement read.
The 22-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman joined the playing eleven less than 24 hours before the start of the match. Reeve has performed brilliantly in domestic cricket and has scored 11 County Championship centuries since the start of the 2023 season.
The call-up continues a memorable period for the Reeve family. James’ younger brother, Thomas Reeve, recently captained England Under-19s in the World Cup final and scored his maiden first-class century earlier this week.
England’s playing XI for the Oval Test
Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethel, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, James Reeve (WK) (Debut), Jordan Cox (Debut), Jofra Archer, Josh Tong, Matt Fisher, Sonny Baker (Debut).
