Ben Stokes is set to return as England captain for the third Test against New Zealand after the ECB completed its investigation into the nightclub incident that kept him out of the second Test. Pace bowler Gus Atkinson has also been recalled, with both players having already served a one-match disciplinary sanction. The pair were omitted from the second Test at The Oval while the England and Wales Cricket Board examined the circumstances surrounding an incident that followed England’s victory at Lord’s earlier this month.

In its official statement, the ECB confirmed that although Stokes and Atkinson had breached team conduct rules, neither player was responsible for the subsequent violence. “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June,” the board said.

The ECB added that both cricketers had breached contractual obligations requiring England players to maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket. As a result, they were issued written warnings and ruled out of selection for the second Test while the matter was being reviewed.

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At the same time, the governing body made it clear that neither player was to blame for the altercation itself. “It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion,” the statement added.

The decision comes after both players were pulled out of their County Championship fixtures at the ECB’s request over the weekend. Stokes had made a rapid 95 for Durham before being withdrawn, while Atkinson was taken out of Surrey’s match against Glamorgan. That move strongly suggested a return to the England setup was imminent.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included our squad for the third Test against New Zealand.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 21, 2026

The controversy began after England’s first-Test win over New Zealand at Lord’s, when Stokes and Atkinson were reported to have breached England’s newly introduced midnight curfew by visiting a nightclub in Chelsea in the early hours of June 8. The curfew had been introduced by managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum as part of a broader effort to raise discipline standards after England’s disappointing Ashes campaign.

The situation escalated when a physical confrontation broke out outside the venue. Reports indicated that an ECB security liaison officer accompanying the players was struck in the incident and later required stitches. The ECB then launched a formal investigation and ruled both players out of the second Test while disciplinary proceedings were underway.

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With the case now closed, England can return their full attention to cricket. Stokes will resume his role as captain and remain one of the side’s key all-rounders, while Atkinson’s return gives the pace attack an added boost. England will now hope the off-field distraction is behind them as they prepare for the third Test and look to build momentum in the series against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.