The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cleared Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson following its investigation into the nightclub incident.
The ECB’s disciplinary panel found that Stokes was not involved in the altercation, while Atkinson was reportedly attacked but did not retaliate. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing in the fight, both players have been warned for breaching team rules and contractual obligations.
However, the board has issued warnings to both players for breaching team disciplinary rules and contractual obligations. Ben Stokes will return to lead England in the third Test against New Zealand, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson has also been included in the squad.
Following the nightclub incident, the ECB dropped Ben Stokes from the second Test against New Zealand and appointed Joe Root as captain. The all-rounder had been under investigation for his alleged involvement in a nightclub altercation and for violating the team’s curfew, while Atkinson was also left out of the second Test squad.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Ben Stokes should not be stripped of the captaincy as punishment for the nightclub incident.
It is worth mentioning here that New Zealand delivered a dominant all-round performance to crush England by 253 runs in the second Test, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Chasing a massive target of 463, England were bowled out for just 209 in their second innings, with the visitors’ pace attack proving too strong for the hosts.
Captain Joe Root and Harry Brook were the only notable contributors for the hosts, scoring 77 and 58, respectively, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer significant resistance.
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a devastating spell, claiming six wickets in the second innings to finish with 11 wickets in the match. Kyle Jamieson took three wickets, while Will O’Rourke claimed one.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 391 runs in their first innings and 362 in their second. In response, England were dismissed for 291 in the first innings and 209 in the second.
With this victory, New Zealand have levelled the three-Test series at 1-1. The deciding and final Test will be played in Nottingham, starting on Thursday.
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