Stokes facing uncertain future as England captain after nightclub incident ‘with rugby player’
LONDON: Ben Stokes’ position as England cricket captain was in jeopardy Monday after officials announced he was being investigated for a nightclub incident reportedly involving a Saracens rugby player. Both Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. It is the latest controversy concerning the England team following a tour of Australia where the side faced allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss concluded in January. If Stokes is stripped of the captaincy, white-ball skipper Harry Brook could lead England for next week’s second Test across London at the Oval. This would represent a remarkable reversal for Brook, who was fined and censured for late-night drinking and clashing with a nightclub bouncer before captaining England in a one-day international in Wellington in October. “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the governing body said in a statement issued Monday. “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. “We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.” Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported players from Saracens, who compete in English rugby union’s top-flight Prem league, were also present at the venue for the London club’s end-of-season party. Saracens subsequently issued a statement confirming one their academy players was involved in an incident in
