Stokes dropped: New captain shock as England dodges embarrassing switch after nightclub incident
England cricket captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the second Test against New Zealand following an investigation into a nightclub incident. Joe Root will serve as interim captain while the England and Wales Cricket Board conducts its probe.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing disciplinary issues within the England cricket team and disrupts their leadership structure during a high-stakes international series.
CRICKET Stokes dropped: New captain shock as England dodges embarrassing switch after nightclub incident Stokes nightclub cameo investigated | 01:50 AFP from Afp June 11th, 2026 7:13 am England captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the squad for next week’s second Test against New Zealand at the Oval, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced overnight.
The report focuses on the factual announcement of the ECB and the circumstances of the incident without taking a side.
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