LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in the squad for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday.
The board confirmed their return in a press release, saying Stokes and Atkinson will join the squad for the series decider in Nottingham.
“Stokes and Atkinson to join England Men’s Test squad for Trent Bridge The pair will return to the squad ahead of our final Test match of the series in Nottingham,” the press release said.
“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June,” it added.
The statement also confirmed that Stokes and Atkinson have been found to breach the conduct and have been issued a written warning.
“Stokes and Atkinson were found 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.”
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“In addition to not being considered for selection for the second Rothesay Test, they have both been given a written warning as to their conduct,” it said
The ECB concluded that no blame could be attached to the players over the nightclub incident, noting that evidence showed Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.
“It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub.”
“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,” the statement concluded.
England Squad for Third Test
Ben Stokes (C), 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
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