England cricket captain Ben Stokes is facing removal from the Test squad after breaching team protocols in a nightclub incident alongside teammate Gus Atkinson.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday evening that the pair became embroiled in an incident in the early hours while celebrating Sunday’s victory over New Zealand at Lord’s.
It is understood that the timing contravened the team’s midnight curfew, which remained in effect despite the match's conclusion, with suggestions of further breaches.
Reports linking the incident to players from Saracens have led the Gallagher Premiership club to launch an investigation.
The ECB is also conducting an internal inquiry to clarify the exact circumstances, and the matter has been referred to the Cricket Regulator. No further details have been made public.
An ECB statement read: “The ECB is investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand.
“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday when an incident took place.
“We are seeking further information and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.
“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”
In the short term, it seems highly likely that both players will lose their places in the squad for the second Test, which starts at the Kia Oval on June 17.
Beyond that, Stokes may need to persuade his employers that he can still hold the office of captain.
The ECB has been at pains to show that lessons have been learned from the winter, with their troubled Ashes tour marred by accusations of unprofessionalism and excessive drinking.
Harry Brook, Stokes’ vice-captain and a candidate to lead in his expected absence, narrowly held on to his role as white-ball skipper after it emerged he was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington immediately prior to the Australia tour.
The Saracens statement read: “We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens on Sunday evening.
“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately.
“We will make no further comment at this time.”
The reports will come as a further embarrassment to England head coach Brendon McCullum, who has defended his players over previous incidents, but conceded in the wake of the 3-0 T20 series win over Sri Lanka in February that players had to be responsible for their own behaviour.
McCullum said: “If you go back to the day I walked into the job, the first thing I said to these boys is don’t do anything that lands you on the front page of the paper and nothing good happens after midnight, but we’re going to have a good time.”
