.jpg?type=hq)
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson - (Source: AFP)
The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand is underway, and the Three Lions are definitely missing Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. For the unversed, the experienced duo are facing a suspension for breaching the ECB’s curfew.
It all began 10 days ago, when England skipper Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson sneaked out of the England hotel during the 1st Test and went to a nightclub. The duo got into a fight there, after which the ECB made a hard call and ruled Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson out of the 2nd Test.
What Happened With Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson that led to the ECB’s Investigation
Notably, when England toured Australia last year for a five-match Ashes series, the Three Lions came under the scanner after the players were found guilty of going to a nightclub and creating a ruckus. It created a lot of stir, which led to an ECB investigation and eventually led to the invocation of a curfew for the players that restricted them from going out at night.
However, during the 1st Test against New Zealand, Stokes and Atkinson broke the rule and got into a fight with a local rugby player. Atkinson and the local player got into a scuffle, and one of the punches hit an ECB security officer, who eventually required stitches.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Meets RCB Teammate Jordan Cox Before England Test Debut
ECB have started their investigation, following which there were even reports that Ben Stokes might announce retirement. It has been a difficult week for the England duo, but in the latest events, it seems that the dark clouds are about to clear.
ECB Likely To Clear Ben Stokes And Gus Atkinson For 3rd Test
In the latest events, a report from Insidesports mentioned that there is a feeling within the ECB camp that Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes were not at fault, and they didn’t initiate the fight at the club. The findings of the investigation are still not out, but it seems that the duo might be cleared for the 3rd and final Test against New Zealand.
The next 48 hours will give us more updates. Stokes and Atkinson are expected to be interviewed by the Cricket Regulator before turning out for Durham and Surrey. The duo is guilty of breaching the curfew, but they are already serving a suspension.
For the unversed, following the suspension, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson returned to play domestic cricket as County Cricket is currently on. In Stokes ' absence, Joe Root is leading the team.
Joe Root Off To Troubled Return As England Captain
Talking about the 2nd Test, New Zealand are on top as the Black Caps, batting first, have put 291/7 runs on the board after stumps on day 1. None of the batters got going, but most of them got the start but failed to convert them to big scores.
Tom Blundell scored a fifty, while Glenn Phillips is batting unbeaten on 49 (74).
Also Read: Shafali Verma Attains Remarkable T20 World Cup Feat; Enters Special List
