England will be without Ben Stokes for the second Test against New Zealand after the captain was dropped for breaking team curfew.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating an incident involving Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after England’s win at Lord’s. Both players have been left out of the squad for the match at The Oval.
Joe Root will return as captain on an interim basis. The 35 year old takes charge ahead of vice captain Harry Brook.
Root stepped down as England captain in 2022 after a difficult run of results. He led the team in 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022. Since then, he has enjoyed some of the best form of his career under Stokes.
Many expected Brook to lead the side in Stokes’s absence. However, England have chosen Root for the role.
Brook was involved in a separate late night drinking incident during the Ashes tour. That episode led England to bring back a strict curfew policy. Brook was fined and given a final warning after the incident but was not suspended.
The curfew had strong backing from Stokes. Ironically, he became one of the first players to break it.
Reports said Stokes and Atkinson stayed out after midnight following England’s victory over New Zealand. During the night, a man reportedly aimed a punch at Atkinson but missed. The blow instead struck England security guard James Shaw, who needed stitches.
England director of cricket Rob Key is expected to speak to the media about the matter on Thursday.
Stokes is currently at home in the north east of England. He met with his management team on Wednesday to discuss his future. Reports suggest he is considering whether to continue as England captain.
Replacing Stokes in the playing XI will not be easy because of his value as an all rounder.
Spin bowling all rounder Rehan Ahmed and wicketkeeper batter James Rew are both in the squad and could come into the side. Their inclusion could affect the balance of the team.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir may miss out after not bowling a single over in the Lord’s Test. Fast bowler Sonny Baker is another option if England decide to strengthen their pace attack.
Atkinson has spent the last two days at The Oval. He has shown no signs of injury and has been bowling during Surrey’s County Championship match against Hampshire.
