Big change in England team amid nightclub controversy, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson out of second test

New Delhi . Before the upcoming second Test match against New Zealand, a big change has been seen in the England cricket team. Team’s regular captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have not been included in the squad announced for the second Test. This decision has been taken amid the recent alleged nightclub controversy and the investigation related to it. At the same time, experienced batsman Joe Root has been given the interim captaincy of the team.

According to media reports, this matter is related to the celebrations after England’s victory in the first Test match. It is reported that the players were first present in the dressing room and later in a pub in London. After this, some players reached a nightclub in Chelsea, where a clash allegedly took place late at night. The names of Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, a member of the England Cricket Board (ECB) security team and a rugby player have emerged in the reports.

However, available reports also state that Stokes and Atkinson were not directly involved in any physical clash. A member of the security team was injured in the incident, but the matter did not require police intervention and there is no possibility of any criminal action being taken at this time. Despite this, the incident has sparked debate within English cricket about discipline and team culture.

The ECB and related institutions are investigating the matter. Stokes and Atkinson have been kept out of the team for the second Test until the investigation is completed. According to reports, Atkinson’s absence is not being considered as a formal suspension, but this step has been taken keeping in mind the investigation process and the mental health of the player.

Meanwhile, handing over the command of the team to Joe Root is being considered a safe and experienced option for England cricket. Root had previously captained the England Test team between 2017 and 2022 and under his leadership the team had registered many important victories. In such a situation, his return in the important match against New Zealand is being considered a positive step for the team.

According to reports, Ben Stokes is currently avoiding making any public comment on the matter and has asked for some personal time to consider his situation and future. On the other hand, the eyes of cricket fans and experts are fixed on the investigation report of ECB, which will clarify the future picture.