England captain Ben Stokes set for Test squad axe after nightclub incident

Captain Ben Stokes looks set to be removed from England’s Test squad after breaching team protocols in a nightclub incident alongside team-mate Gus Atkinson.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday evening that the pair became embroiled in an incident in the early hours as they celebrated Sunday’s victory over New Zealand at Lord’s.

The Press Association understands that the timing contravened the team’s midnight curfew, which was still in operation despite the end of the match, but that was not the only breach.

Reports linking the incident to a player or players from Saracens prompted the Gallagher Prem club to issue a statement confirming they have launched an investigation.

No further details have been made public, but there is also an internal ECB investigation under way as the governing body seeks clarity over the the exact circumstances. The matter has also been referred to the Cricket Regulator.

In the short term, it seems highly likely that both players will lose their places in the squad for the second Test, which starts at the Kia Oval on June 17.

Beyond that, Stokes may need to persuade his employers that he can still hold the office of captain. The ECB has been at pains to show that lessons have been learned from the winter, with their troubled Ashes tour marred by accusations of unprofessionalism and excessive drinking.

Harry Brook, Stokes’ vice-captain and a candidate to lead in his expected absence, narrowly held on to his role as white-ball skipper after it emerged he was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington immediately prior to the Australia tour.

The Saracens statement read: “We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens on Sunday evening.

“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately.

“We will make no further comment at this time.”

The reports will come as a further embarrassment to England head coach Brendon McCullum, who has defended his players over previous incidents, but conceded in the wake of the 3-0 T20 series win over Sri Lanka in February that players had to be responsible for their own behaviour.

McCullum said: “If you go back to the day I walked into the job, the first thing I said to these boys is don’t do anything that lands you on the front page of the paper and nothing good happens after midnight, but we’re going to have a good time.”