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Stokes & Atkinson ‘blameless for violent conduct’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were made unavailable for England’s defeat by New Zealand in the second TestByStephan Shemilt
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached “contractual obligations” but were blameless for “violent conduct” in a London nightclub, according to an investigation.
Captain Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson were made unavailable for England’s second Test defeat by New Zealand pending an inquiry into events that unfolded when they were out celebrating victory in the first Test two weeks ago.
They breached the team’s midnight curfew and were present when a member of England’s security staff was left bloodied and in need of medical attention when he was struck by Saracens rugby player Totoa Avuaa.
A disciplinary hearing by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found Stokes and Atkinson to have “breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket”.
Both men have been given a written a warning, with no further action added to their removal from the second Test. They have been named in the squad for the deciding Test at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday, with Stokes restored as captain.
It is understood a separate inquiry by the Cricket Regulator has found that Stokes and Atkinson have no case to answer in relation to the nightclub incidents.
“No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub,” mentioned the ECB.
“Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident.
“The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.”
Saracens have been approached for comment.
England have included seamer Ollie Robinson in the squad for the third Test, after he missed the second with a knee injury. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also returns after paternity leave.
However, pace bowler Sonny Baker and keeper James Rew, who both made their debuts in the second Test, have been left out.
England squad for third Test: Ben Stokes (captain), 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
‘Some people don’t want Stokes to return as England captain’ – Vaughan
The decision on Stokes and Atkinson brings an element of closure to an extraordinary period, as English cricket has had to deal with yet another off-field controversy.
Without Stokes and Atkinson, an inexperienced England team showing five changes to the one that won the first Test was soundly beaten in the second.
It means Stokes will be back for a crucial decider at Trent Bridge, with England desperate for a series win to alleviate pressure that has grown over the dismal Ashes winter and this just in chaotic episode.
And while Stokes’ return as a leader and all-rounder is vital for his team, there will be renewed scrutiny on his relationship with the rest of the England hierarchy, in particular head coach Brendon McCullum.
All of Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key denied the captain and coach were at odds during the Ashes, when England were hammered 4-1.
Speaking on Sunday, after the loss at The Oval, McCullum mentioned he is ready to work with Stokes again.
“We’ve worked together intimately for four years,” mentioned McCullum. “We’ve achieved some cool things and let ourselves down in other things.
“Our motivation, belief and ambition for this side has not wavered. We have robust conversations all the way through and I think that is to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership. There is a mutual respect to how we operate with those.
“I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I’m sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team.”
This was the just in in a number of off-field controversies that have dogged England since the winter. After the Ashes, the midnight curfew was introduced.
However, speaking on 11 June, Key revealed Atkinson did not know the curfew was in place in the aftermath of the first Test.
And McCullum mentioned England will take steps to remove any “ambiguity”.
“We’ve sat here and talked about the curfew, talked about standards, talked about many things we want to be known for as a cricket team.
“When you represent your country you have certain standards you need to live up to and you’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing your family, the fans, the country. And you’re being paid to do it.
“You’ve got to have certain standards you need to adhere to. To suggest that perhaps whilst there may not have been a hard blueprint, everyone knew what was going on.”
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