Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson Cleared to Play in Third Test Against New Zealand

ECB Clears Stokes and Atkinson for Third Test

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has officially cleared Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson of any wrongdoing related to a nightclub incident, allowing them to rejoin the squad for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on June 25 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Despite missing the second Test, Stokes will continue as captain, with Joe Root having led the team in his absence.

The ECB stated that neither Stokes nor Atkinson was responsible for the altercation. They clarified that Stokes did not witness the events, while Atkinson was reportedly attacked without provocation and did not retaliate. Although both players received a written warning for breaching certain clauses of their central contracts, the ECB emphasized that they were not to blame for the violent incident.

According to the ECB's statement, "Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing regarding their conduct in the early hours of Monday, June 8. They were found to have breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket."

The statement further noted, "In addition to not being considered for selection for the second Rothesay Test, they have both been given a written warning regarding their conduct. It was concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence reviewed by the ECB indicates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion."

England Test Squad for 3rd Test vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.