Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson dropped by England as new captain for second Test named

Ben Stokes has been dropped for the second Test between England and New Zealand following an incident in a nightclub at the weekend.

The captain and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been replaced in the squad by Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox following an altercation involving a rugby player from Saracens’ academy.

Getty

Joe Root will take the role as skipper at The Oval for the second Test.

Root was the previous captain, ending with one win in 17 Tests before Stokes replaced him and Brendon McCullum came in as coach.

He has been selected to lead the side over fellow Yorkshireman and vice-captain Harry Brook.

In a statement, the ECB said: “The England & Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay 2nd Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June.

“Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain.

“Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer and Essex batter Jordan Cox have been added to the squad.”

Stokes not playing in the second Test follows an incident in the early hours of Monday morning involving Atkinson and a Saracens player.

An ECB security guard is alleged to have been punched by the Saracens player.

Sources suggest that Stokes and Atkinson weren’t the aggressors.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS STORY. MORE TO FOLLOW…