Big decision of ECB after nightclub controversy. (Photo- GETTY)
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson: After the nightclub controversy, the way seems to be clear for the return of England Test team’s regular captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson to international cricket. Amidst the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a major step and recalled both these players from their ongoing County Championship matches. After this decision, it is almost certain that both the players will be seen playing in the third and last Test match to be held at Trent Bridge.
Was out of second test due to nightclub controversy
After registering a spectacular win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson violated the team’s ‘midnight curfew’. Both the players were present in a nightclub in London, where an ECB security officer was injured in a clash. Due to this matter, the board took a strict stance and showed both of them out of the second Test match played at The Oval, and Joe Root was made the captain.
After being dropped from the England team, the ECB had allowed both of them to play domestic cricket. Stokes was playing for Durham, where he proved his form by playing a brilliant inning of 95 runs. Whereas, Gus Atkinson was playing for Surrey and had taken 4 wickets in the first innings. But on Sunday (June 21), before the start of the third day of play, both were withdrawn from the match on the instructions of the ECB. After which his return is considered certain.
England team in trouble
The second match was nothing special for the England team, which started the series with a win. In this match, the Kiwi team defeated them by 253 runs. Due to which the last match of the series has become very important for the England team, they are in danger of losing the Test series in their own home. In such a situation, the return of these two star players can be a big relief for the team.
