Stokes apologises to team-mates before Test return

England cricket captain Ben Stokes has apologized to his teammates following a disciplinary incident that led to his absence from the second Test against New Zealand. Both Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were cleared of violent conduct but received written warnings for breaching contractual obligations regarding a team curfew.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining team discipline and professional standards in high-stakes international sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The return of Ben Stokes is one of four changes to England s XI for the third Test
The article reports on a factual disciplinary matter using neutral language and direct quotes from the involved parties.
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