Major England Squad Change: Joe Root Appointed Captain as Ben Stokes and Gun Atkinson Sit Out 2nd Test at Oval

English cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are circled by a major controversy ahead of the second Test match against New Zealand at The Oval. As England won the first Test match against New Zealand by 115 runs, clinching a victory against the Black Caps at Lord’s, after the victory, many players went out for celebrations in London. But the problem arose as England’s management imposed a midnight curfew for the players. However, captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were out beyond the curfew timeline and were involved in the events at a London nightclub, as per reports.

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As per reports, there were some altercations seen at the nightclub, which included many individuals and security personnel. As Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were not necessarily involved, the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) still launched an investigation and found the matter serious. As the England and Wales Cricket Board began a full investigation into the nightclub incident, and with the investigation ongoing, Ben Stokes and Atkinson were announced unavailable for selection for the second Test match, which is going to take place at The Oval from 17th June.

The current situation is that Ben Stokes has been dropped from the second Test match, so former captain Joe Root has been appointed as the interim captain of the England cricket team. Joe Root has a terrific record of leading England in Test cricket, as he has already led England in 64 Test matches from 2017 to 2022. The selection of the interim captain was also a challenge for the ECB and staff, as Harry Brook also has a fabulous and consistent run-scoring ability for England in Test matches. But Joe Root has the required skills and experience that can lead England, and as per seniority, Joe Root has been announced as the interim captain.

Impact on the Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson Career

Ben Stokes’s being dropped from the squad is a major setback for England and for the cricketing world, as Stokes has a terrific record in Test matches. Ben Stokes is a great captain for England, as out of 43 matches, he has secured 24 wins, 18 losses, and 1 tie, and with almost a 55.81% winning record, he is a major figure in the English cricketing scene.

28-year-old Gus Atkinson, who is a gun bowler for England with his speed and tight lengths, and his fast-bowling absence will be a great loss for England in the 2nd Test match against New Zealand, as his masterclass stats in Test matches have been notable. With 76 wickets in 33 innings and 17 matches, he stands as a leading figure in the bowling unit of England’s Test matches, with the best figures of 7/45, and due to his unavailability, bowlers like Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox can be considered as options.

England Squad for the Test Match at the Oval

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson will not be in the squad for the ENG vs NZ second Test match at The Oval. The squad has been finalised by head coach Brendon McCullum and Rob Key, who is an ECB official.

England Squad for 2nd Test: