WELLINGTON: England Test captain Ben Stokes faces the possibility of being stripped of his captaincy following a nightclub altercation involving himself and fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred in violation of the board’s newly implemented player protocols.
Reports indicate that rising batsman Harry Brook is highly likely to take over the captaincy for the second Test match against New Zealand if disciplinary action is taken against Stokes.
The incident involved a physical altercation with a rugby player at the venue, during which the rugby player punched fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
While both English cricketers emerged from the scuffle without injuries, an ECB security guard present at the scene sustained injuries trying to intervene and required stitches.
Local law enforcement was not involved in the matter, and initial findings by the ECB suggest that the cricketers did not display aggressive behavior during the dispute.
However, due to the breach of the strict code of conduct, the board is expected to take firm disciplinary measures against the captain.
