Stokes & Atkinson investigated over nightclub incident

The England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating an incidental successful a nightclub involving skipper Ben Stokes and gait bowler Gus Atkinson pursuing the archetypal Test against New Zealand.

An ECB connection said the brace were progressive successful a "breach of squad protocols" successful the aboriginal hours of Monday morning, aft the decision of England's triumph astatine Lord's connected Sunday.

It is the latest contention to deed the England squad pursuing an Ashes circuit dogged with allegations of a drinking culture.

Before the Ashes, white-ball skipper Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer successful Wellington connected the eve of a one-day planetary against New Zealand.

As a result, England imposed a midnight curfew connected each players and staff.

"The ECB is presently investigating a breach of squad protocols pursuing the decision of the archetypal men's Test against New Zealand," said the statement.

"Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were contiguous astatine a nightclub successful the aboriginal hours of Monday greeting erstwhile an incidental took place.

"We are presently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the 2nd Test volition beryllium made successful owed course.

"The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we volition supply a further update erstwhile possible."

England were criticised for their off-field behaviour during the 4-1 decision successful Australia, peculiarly a boozy mid-series vacation to the coastal municipality of Noosa.

In the aftermath of the travel to Noosa, a video of Ben Duckett was posted connected societal media, with the opener appearing to beryllium intoxicated.

Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the clip successful Noosa, but denied the squad had a drinking culture.

At the extremity of the Ashes bid successful January, details of the incidental involving Brook successful October were revealed.

Brook initially claimed to person been unsocial astatine the nightclub successful Wellington, only for it to look that helium was alongside Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.