Ben Stokes' international future has been plunged into serious doubt after the England captain and Gus Atkinson were dropped for the second Test against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday. Photo: IANS
Ben Stokes' absence will cast a long shadow over England's bid to clinch a series victory against New Zealand when they face the Black Caps without their controversial captain this week.
Stokes and Gus Atkinson were dropped for the second Test, which starts at the Oval on Wednesday, after the pair broke a midnight curfew by celebrating late into the night following England's series-opening win at Lord's.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are still investigating the incident in a London nightclub, which also involved Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa and reportedly ended with a member of England's security staff being hit. Amid reports he could be stripped of the captaincy or even retire from international cricket, Stokes' England future has been plunged into doubt by the latest after-hours drama in his chaotic career.
Stokes was cleared of charges of affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, but missed an Ashes tour as a result of that incident. The 35-year-old also took a break from cricket in 2021 to prioritise his mental health.
