Why were Ben Stokes & Gus Atkinson left out of Oval Test against New Zealand?

Ben Stokes has once again become a topic of discussion for the wrong reasons.

England defeated New Zealand in the opening game at Lord’s. Now, England are set to clash with the Kiwis in the second test of the ongoing series. The ENG vs NZ 2nd Test will start on June 17 at Kennington Oval in London.

In the 1st Test, the Three Lions showed their supremacy at home. They were bowled out for just 140 runs in the 1st innings but made a comeback with the ball, bundling out New Zealand for 113/10.

With a better show with the bat, England posted 226/10 in the 2nd innings and bowled out New Zealand for just 138, winning the encounter by a huge margin of 115 runs. New Zealand completely failed to chase a target of 254 runs in the final innings.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 and look forward to winning the series in the second test. They have announced their squad for the second test on Wednesday, June 10.

Why were Stokes and Atkinson dropped for 2nd test vs NZ?

England skipper Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson have been dropped for the 2nd test at The Oval. Both were left out of the match for breaching protocols and the ECB’s code of conduct.

They broke curfew protocols and were involved in a brawl in a Chelsea nightclub. They had a physical altercation with Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa. They were found guilty in the ECB’s investigation and have been banned from playing the second test.

Furthermore, according to several reports, Stokes’s future as England’s Test captain is in serious jeopardy following the nightclub incident.

“The England & Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay 2nd Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June,” a statement released by ECB read.

Stokes and Atkinson’s absence will be a big blow for the side. Vice-captain Harry Brook has also been overlooked for the match. In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root will lead the team in the second game.

ENG squad for 2nd test vs New Zealand: 

Joe Root (C), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), James Rew (WK), Jordan Cox, Rehan Ahmed, Oliver Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir.

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