Ben Stokes And Gus Atkinson Omitted From England Squad For Second New Zealand Test Amid ECB Probe

England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of England's 15-member squad for England vs New Zealand second Test, with the England and Wales Cricket Board citing an ongoing investigation.

Senior batter Joe Root will lead the side as interim captain for the match at the Kia Oval, scheduled from 17 to 21 June, while Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer and Essex batter Jordan Cox have been drafted into the squad.

ECB investigation and squad decisions for England vs New Zealand second Test

Reports say that Stokes and Atkinson were at a nightclub early Monday, after England's 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's, when an incident allegedly occurred involving a rugby player.

The ECB confirmed that it was examining a breach of team protocols after the first Test against New Zealand, and later issued a statement clarifying that Stokes and Atkinson would not be considered for selection while inquiries continue.

"The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay second Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June. Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain," the ECB said in an official statement.

Future leadership questions around England vs New Zealand second Test

Broadcast outlet 'TalkSport' reported on Tuesday that Stokes is likely to step down from the captaincy and may also announce retirement, developments that would further alter England's leadership as the investigation into the reported nightclub incident progresses.

With Stokes and Atkinson unavailable, Root leads England into the second Test at the Oval, while Archer and Cox await selection. The ECB investigation into the breach of protocols and the nightclub incident continues without an announced timeframe.