ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson Dropped from England Test Squad After Nightclub Controversy; Joe Root to Lead

ENG vs NZ:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced England’s squad for the second Test of the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand. The match is scheduled to begin on June 17 at The Oval in London.

In a major development, England Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been left out of the squad following their involvement in a nightclub controversy after the first Test. The ECB has handed the captaincy responsibilities to experienced batter Joe Root for the upcoming match.

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According to reports, Stokes and Atkinson became involved in an incident with a rugby player at a nightclub in Chelsea after the conclusion of the Lord’s Test. An investigation into the matter is currently underway. The ECB stated that the issue relates to team discipline and an alleged breach of curfew regulations. A final decision will be taken only after a thorough review of all aspects of the incident.

For the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, England have included fast bowler Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox in the squad. Archer is set to return to England on June 11 and could be in line for his first Test appearance since the Ashes series. However, it remains unclear whether he will feature in the playing XI as the team management continues to monitor his workload.

Meanwhile, Joe Root, who previously captained England for an extended period, will once again take charge of the side. Root led England in a record 64 Test matches between 2017 and 2024.

England Squad for the 2nd Test vs New Zealand

Joe Root (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue.