Skipper Ben Stokes and all-rounder Gus Atkinson will miss the second Test against the Black Caps at the Oval with investigations continuing into an alleged breach of team protocol following the English win at Lord's.

 

The news has sent ripples through the world of English cricket with both players having their availability to play for England suspended due to the ongoing probes being conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

 

Two key members of the England setup are absent as the hosts prepare to take a 2-0 series lead but it is Stokes and Atkinson who are in focus in rather unwelcome circumstances for the team's campaign.

 

The reason for the scrutiny facing the pair comes as a result of an alleged clash at a London nightclub following England's first test triumph over New Zealand at the Home of Cricket.

 

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  Nightclub Incident Places Stokes and Atkinson under investigation

 

News broke that both Stokes and Atkinson despite their heroics at Lord's stayed out after England's midnight team curfew. A violation of the established protocol is said to have led to both players being quizzed over events that transpired later in the evening.

 

It is understood that during an incident at the nightclub on Tuesday the England duo may have got involved in an altercation with Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa. Reports suggested a member of England's security team suffered a blow to the head and required treatment as a result of the dispute.

 

Sources claim that neither Stokes nor Atkinson are believed to be the instigators of the altercation however they remain under suspicion for their decision not to comply with the agreed team curfew. The ECB has launched an internal investigation and is to seek evidence before deciding on any potential disciplinary measures.

 

Despite this potential controversy a large element of doubt hangs over the absence of Stokes in particular due to his role as talisman for the national side both on and off the field.

 

However the England captain is expected to make an immediate return for Durham in the county championship. England is scheduled to take on Northamptonshire next week where Stokes is expected to join the squad. Although it is not confirmed by Durham if their captain will represent them the county championship clash could be an ideal way for Stokes to get himself match ready.

 

This 35-year-old all-rounder has been heavily involved in the English set up recently and has found his opportunity for county matches severely restricted. Earlier in the season Stokes played a part for Durham against both Worcestershire and Kent but in the run up to the New Zealand series he has seen much more limited action. A return to the county championship would give him vital time at the crease in order to build match readiness before any potential future for the England team.

 

Although it's uncertain whether Stokes will feature for England again soon this period of absence could go on and it is said that even England's third test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge could be missed by the captain if the current investigations remain unresolved.

 

Whatever the outcome of the probes England face the second test against the Black Caps without their captain and all-rounder Atkinson as scrutiny falls firmly on the home side.