Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson ‘blameless for violent conduct’ – ECB

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached “contractual obligations” but were blameless for “violent conduct” in a London nightclub, according to an investigation.

Captain Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson were made unavailable for England’s second Test defeat by New Zealand pending an inquiry into events that unfolded when they were out celebrating victory in the first Test two weeks ago.

They breached the team’s midnight curfew and were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

A disciplinary hearing by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found Stokes and Atkinson to have “breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket”.

Both men have been given a written a warning, with no further action added to their removal from the second Test. They have been named in the squad for the deciding Test at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday, with Stokes restored as captain.

A separate inquiry by the Cricket Regulator has found that Stokes and Atkinson have no further case to answer.

The member of England’s security staff was left bloodied and in need of medical attention when he was struck by Saracens player Totoa Avuaa. The ECB statement said Avuaa attacked both Atkinson and the security guard.

“No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub,” said the ECB.

“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.”