Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson under investigation by ECB for 'breach of team protocols' after nightclub incident

England cricket finds itself in trouble once again after skipper Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson were involved in a late-night controversy. The England Cricket Board is currently investigating a breach of team protocol after the duo were at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.

England is coming off a spectacular 115-run victory over New Zealand at Lord's. Atkinson played a key role, prising a seven-wicket match haul.

Stokes, Atkinson under ECB's radar

The England Cricket Board stated that it was seeking more information regarding the incident.  The sudden investigation also affected the squad selection for the second Test against New Zealand, with an announcement expected to be made in due course.

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"Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place. We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course," the statement mentioned.

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Although the details remain undisclosed, the situation appears serious, with the 'Cricket Regulator' having been informed about the issue.

Nightclub incident opens England Cricket's old scabs

The Stokes-Atkinson club drama would remind one of England's previous incidents in which fans criticised the players' off-field shenanigans.

One of the infamous incidents is the Wellington nightclub fiasco when a bouncer punched England's white-ball captain Harry Brook. The incident prompted the board to implement a midnight curfew on the team.

Another controversy erupted during England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia when the players were seen enjoying a booze-filled mid-series vacation at Noosa. The team was coming off defeats to the Aussies, leading to major criticism.

At that time, England managing director Rob Key said that an investigation would be conducted into whether the players drank excessively during their mid-Ashes break but also claimed that "they were very well behaved."

The latest incident involving Stokes and Atkinson only raises eyebrows over England players' off-field behaviour and whether the ECB would take any disciplinary action.