Ben Stokes [Source: AFP]England Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowling all-rounder Gus Atkinson have both been punished by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following their involvement in the nightclub incident. The two cricketers have been dropped by the ECB for England’s upcoming second Test of the series against New Zealand. Former captain and legendary batter Joe Root has been tasked to lead the side once again, on an interim basis. The selection committee have also called back Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox in the team as official replacements for the two ousted all-rounders. Joe Root to lead, Jofra Archer returns as star duo punishedThe ECB has called up express paceman Jofra Archer and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox into the England squad as official replacements for captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Gus Atkinson. Archer was previously overlooked for the first Test owing to his IPL 2026 stint for the Rajasthan Royals franchise in India. Both Stokes and Atkinson have been ruled out of the England squad for the upcoming second Test owing to their involvement in the nightclub incident earlier this week. Also Read- List Of England Captains Who Have Faced ECB Sanctions For Off-Field ControversiesStokes’ predecessor Joe Root will once again lead the England team, albeit this time as an interim captain.Ben Stokes and Atkinson Nightclub incident: What exactly happened?Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke ECB’s protocols by staying outside beyond England’s midnight curfew earlier this week. The incident occurred shortly after England’s emphatic win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s in London. Both Stokes and Atkinson were allegedly involved in an altercation with a Saracens academy rugby player. As reported by several English media outlets, an ECB security guard was hit during their altercation, who later required stitches for his injuries. While several ECB sources have maintained that the two English cricketers were not the aggressors, they were still expected to face the heat for breaking the team's curfew. Stokes contemplating retirement: ReportsAs reported by George Dobell of The Cricketer, Ben Stokes might take retirement from the game following the nightclub incident. Dobell said “I fear from everything I hear that Stokes is going to act first. And, regretfully, I hear that he is going to step down and possibly even retire. I think that would be hugely regrettable and I hope he doesn't.”England take 1-0 lead after Lord’s winRegardless of the recent controversy, the England cricket team will enter the upcoming second Test with a 1-0. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England flogged New Zealand by 115 runs at Lord’s, with comeback man Ollie Robinson bagging the ‘Player of the Match’ award.The second Test between the two sides will be held at The Oval in London from June 17 to June 21 next week.England's updated Test squad for second Test vs New Zealand: Joe Root (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith (wk) and Josh Tongue.Also Read - When Was The Last Time Hardik Pandya Played An ODI For India Before Afghanistan 2026?
