Joe Root has been named England’s stand-in captain for the second Test against New Zealand, which begins at The Oval on June 17. His appointment follows an ECB investigation involving regular skipper Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson over an incident at a nightclub after England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s.
In an official statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said that Stokes and Atkinson were “not available for selection” for the second Test while the inquiry continues. The pair allegedly violated the team’s midnight curfew, introduced earlier this year after several alcohol-related incidents during England’s tours of New Zealand and Australia.
Reports claimed Stokes and Atkinson stayed at a London nightclub until the early hours of June 8. The episode also reportedly involved Saracens rugby player Totua Auvaa, who is accused of punching an ECB security official accompanying the England players.
England have made two changes to the squad for the Oval Test, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Jofra Archer, who returns after being rested for the first Test following his IPL commitments.
England squad for 2nd Test
Joe Root (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
The Oval Test will see Joe Root return to captaincy for the first time since stepping down in April 2022, before Ben Stokes succeeded him as England skipper. Root was preferred over white-ball captain Harry Brook, who had acted as vice-captain during the Ashes tour.
Notably, Brook was involved in an altercation with a bouncer ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand last year. Root remains England’s most-capped Test captain, having led the side in 64 matches. Under his leadership, England registered 27 wins, 26 defeats and 11 draws.
England currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following their 115-run victory at Lord’s.
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