Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been brought back into the England squad for the crucial Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. This decision follows their exclusion from the previous match due to a breach of team protocols. The recall happened shortly after England’s loss to New Zealand at The Oval.
Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from their county duties for Durham and Surrey, making them available for selection. Their absence in the second game was a result of a nightclub incident that occurred after England’s victory at Lord’s. The incident, which also involved a Saracens academy rugby player, led to both players being reprimanded for not upholding the expected standards of conduct.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) clarified that Stokes was not involved in any altercations at the nightclub. Atkinson, on the other hand, was identified as the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate. Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith are also part of the 15-player squad for the upcoming Test, with Sonny Baker and James Rew being omitted.
