£25 rum and coke, VIP row and ‘tipped’ England captain: New details emerge about Ben Stokes nightclub incident

NEW DELHI: England Test captain Ben Stokes had reportedly been drinking with England rugby captain Maro Ito and other rugby internationals before he got involved in an incident at a nightclub in London. According to a report in England’s Daily Mail, Stokes and England cricketer Gus Atkinson spent Sunday evening at the White Horse pub in south-west London celebrating England’s Test victory over New Zealand in the first match of the series. They later went to the Rex Rooms, a Chelsea nightclub known as “Chelsea’s naughtiest nightclub”.According to reports, a fight broke out over tables in the VIP section of the club. Saracens rugby player Toto Auvua allegedly punched Atkinson, who instead hit an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard. A larger altercation ensued, although Stokes and Atkinson were not injured and are not believed to have started the altercation.Staff at the pub said Stokes arrived at around 9pm, appeared “drunk” and ordered large rounds, including “lots” of double rum and cokes costing up to £25 each. He was seen talking to rugby players including Itoje, Ben Earl and Jamie George. Staff described Stokes’ conversation with George as “very friendly”.The incident sparked an ECB investigation into a breach of team protocols. In a statement, the ECB said: “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s test against New Zealand.”He added: “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at the nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when the incident occurred.”No player is expected to be selected for the next England Test while the investigation continues. Vice-captain Harry Brook is expected to lead the team.The controversy is particularly sensitive because Stokes helped introduce stricter curfews after England’s troubled Ashes tour of Australia. Reports suggest he is now considering his international future, with one source describing the situation as “up in the air” and another saying: “I don’t know if even he knows what he wants to do yet.”Stokes previously faced a ban following an incident at a Bristol nightclub in 2017, although he was later cleared of affray charges after a court heard he had acted in defense of two men who had been subjected to homophobic abuse.