England captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped Wednesday from the squad for next week´s second cricket test against New Zealand while they are under investigation following an incident in a nightclub. With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root – a former England captain – will lead the team at The Oval for the match that starts June 17. The England & Wales Cricket Board said Stokes and Atkinson “have not been made available for selection.” They breached team protocols during a night out following the victory over New Zealand in the first test at Lord´s on Sunday. The incident has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England’s test team following a humiliating Ashes tour.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson left out by England for second Test against Kiwis
Published on: June 11, 2026 3:29 AM