Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has said that Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were on their ultimatum even before the recent nightclub incident. Butcher believes the controversy has put a lot of pressure on the team management as the ECB is considering disciplinary action for breaches of team protocols.
The incident occurred after England’s victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s on 8 June. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into the early morning nightclub brawl ahead of the announcement of the squad for the second Test starting on June 17.
They were on their last chance – Mark Butcher on Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson
Speaking to Wisden, Mark Butcher believes Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were already in a vulnerable position before the recent nightclub brawl. The former England batsman said the incident had raised serious concerns, especially given the disciplinary issues that had plagued the team during the Ashes.
“Unfortunately they were on their last chance. All we know is there was a fight, they were past curfew and Stokes is potentially considering quitting. We don’t know what the ECB are going to do. We don’t know if Atkinson is going to get a suspension or not. But none of that is concrete. But it shows how close they all were to losing their jobs at the end of the Ashes.”
“Unfortunately, they were on their last chance.”
Butch on the Stokes-Atkinson incident.
Watch https://t.co/AuduJUCFQU pic.twitter.com/QvJTpDgsAS
– Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 9, 2026
The ECB has confirmed that the cricket regulator has been informed about the curfew breach. The incident involved Stokes and Atkinson allegedly having an altercation with members of Saracens rugby club at the rec rooms on the King’s Road in Chelsea.
According to reports, Stokes may lose his Test captaincy after the investigation. The England captain is also reportedly considering retiring from international cricket.
They’ve lost the privilege of being able to do that – Mark Butcher on England’s team culture
Mark Butcher said that celebrating after a Test win was common during his playing days. The former England batsman said that incidents off the field have changed expectations of teams’ behaviour.
“Oh my God, there have been times when we have gone out and lost completely after winning a Test match. That’s what you do after Test matches, especially when you have a gap of 10 days, 11 days between then and the next match. But unfortunately, because of what happened last time they have lost the privilege of being able to do that.”
England’s latest controversy comes despite an impressive victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s. The host team successfully defended the target of 254 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Gus Atkinson played a key role in the victory by taking seven wickets in the match. The fast bowler took a brilliant five-wicket haul in the final innings to bowl out New Zealand for 138, helping England seal a comfortable win.
Punishments will be meted out and heads likely to be bowed – Mark Butcher on England controversy
Mark Butcher believes the latest controversy could have serious consequences for those involved. While the former England batsman said he sympathizes with the players, he feels the ECB has no option but to take strict action given the team’s recent disciplinary record.
“I have a lot of sympathy for everyone involved in all of this, but unfortunately they were on their last chance. Whatever happens and whatever comes out in the context of the story, there will be punishments and probably heads bowed. And unfortunately that’s where we are, right or wrong.”
Last year, the ECB had imposed a strict curfew after a series of off-field incidents involving England players. In October 2025, white-ball captain Harry Brook was fined and reprimanded after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, while Jacob Bethell received an official warning.
During the 2025–26 Ashes tour of Australia, several England players were seen drinking during breaks in Noosa, Queensland. A fan video involving Ben Duckett also attracted attention and led to a separate review by ECB Managing Director Rob Key.