England Test captain Ben Stokes said he did not violate any team curfew during the late-night outing, which led to an ECB investigation. Stokes believed that the team restrictions would end after the Test matches were over and he used that explanation as a key part of his defense during the disciplinary hearing.
The incident forced Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson to miss England’s 253-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test at the Oval. However, both players have returned to the team after the hearing concluded and have been included in England’s 15-man squad for the third Test at Trent Bridge.
Latest details of Ben Stokes-Gus Atkinson nightclub brawl
According to a report in the Daily Mail, fresh details have emerged about the nightclub incident that led to an ECB investigation into Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. The incident took place in the VIP section of the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea following England’s victory at Lord’s..
The report said that on the morning of June 8, the dispute over the table escalated. Saracens academy rugby player Totoa Auwa reportedly punched Atkinson, but missed and hit the England team security guard instead. The guard needed stitches after the incident.
The independent cricket regulator cleared both Stokes and Atkinson of any violent conduct. The investigation found that Atkinson did not respond during the fight. The ECB investigation also confirmed that Stokes was not present when the physical confrontation occurred.
Stokes believed that he had not violated team curfew rules as he believed that the ban on players would end after the Test matches ended. However, the ECB later determined that staying out beyond midnight violated newly introduced team protocols.
We have talked about curfew and standards – Brendon McCullum
England head coach Brendon McCullum addressed the media following the curfew controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. McCullum said that international cricketers must maintain high standards at all times when playing for England.
“Look, even if there is ambiguity, we have talked about the curfew and the standards we want to be known for as a cricket team. When you represent your country, you have certain standards you have to live up to. You are representing your family, the fans and the country. Everyone knew what was happening.”
Last year, England imposed strict curfew rules after several off-field incidents. Harry Brook was attacked by a nightclub bouncer during a night out in Wellington. The management also became concerned about the behavior of players during the Ashes break in Noosa, leading to strict guidelines being implemented.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson receive warnings but avoid further punishment
England managing director Rob Key later revealed that Gus Atkinson was not aware of the curfew as he had not attended the team’s previous briefing while recovering from a hamstring injury.
Although the independent regulator cleared Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson of any involvement in the violence, the ECB’s investigation found that both players had breached team conduct rules. As a result, he received formal written warnings but avoided additional suspension.
With the disciplinary process now complete, both Stokes and Atkinson have returned to the England squad for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The squad also includes Jamie Smith and Ollie Robinson as England look to build on the lead in the series after the defeat at the Oval.