Stokes, Atkinson left out of Oval Test; Joe Root handed captaincy

Joe Root has been appointed England's interim captain for the second Test against New Zealand, commencing at The Oval on June 17. Root's appointment comes on the back of ECB investigating regular captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson for their roles in an incident at a nightclub following England's win in the first Test at Lord's.

A statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that both Stokes and Atkinson have "not been made available for selection" for the second Test with the investigation still ongoing.

Stokes and Atkinson were reported to have breached the team's midnight curfew, which was instituted in January following a series of alcohol-related incidents involving England's players during their winter tours of New Zealand and Australia. The duo were reportedly at a nightclub in London until the early hours of Monday (June 8). The incident also involved Saracens Rugby Club player Totua Auvaa, who reportedly threw a punch that injured the ECB security officer accompanying Stokes and Atkinson.

England have made two changes for the Oval Test, replacing the aforementioned duo with wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox and pacer Jofra Archer, who returns after being rested from the first Test following his IPL stint.

The Test at The Oval marks Root's return to captaincy having relinquished his responsibilities in April 2022, before Stokes took over. Root has been chosen ahead of white-ball skipper Harry Brook, who served as England's vice-captain on the Ashes tour. Incidentally, Brook was involved in a confrontation with a bouncer who struck him down the night before the third ODI against New Zealand last year.

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