Ben Stokes’ England captaincy is in serious danger after a nightclub incident

England captain Ben Stokes (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes’ future as England Test captain is in serious doubt after he was involved in an incident at a Chelsea nightclub following England’s win over New Zealand at Lord’s. The ECB launched an investigation into the actions of Stokes and his team-mate Gus Atkinson after both players allegedly broke the team’s midnight curfew.According to reports, the pair got into an argument involving a Saracens academy rugby player. The rugby player allegedly punched Atkinson but instead hit an ECB security guard who later required stitches. Stokes and Atkinson were uninjured and ECB sources insist the England players “were not the aggressors”. Reports also claim that the police were not called to the scene.

The ECB is opening an investigation

The timing is particularly damaging as England recently introduced stricter rules on player behaviour, including a midnight curfew, following concerns raised during the Ashes. While several players celebrated in London after the Lord’s Test, only Stokes and Atkinson are believed to have stayed out of the time-out.With the investigation ongoing and the matter being referred to the cricket regulator, Stokes is reportedly considering whether he can continue as captain. He and Atkinson are expected to miss the second Test at The Oval, with vice-captain Harry Brook likely to lead the team.Saracens confirmed they were investigating the involvement of one of their academy players, saying: “We are aware of an incident involving an academy player linked to Saracens on Sunday night.”A senior rugby source defended Stokes, saying: “A Saracens player caused it and he has a representative. I wouldn’t want the England cricket captain to lose his job because of it.”

Spotlight returns to Stokes’ past

The incident has revived the spotlight on Stokes’ disciplinary history, including a brawl in Bristol in 2017 that cost him the England vice-captaincy. Recently, he appeared to have overcome these issues, largely quitting drinking and focusing on his fitness and recovery.After England’s victory at Lord’s Stokes, he said: “Obviously I was very, very happy that we won this week… I probably won’t be really happy and smiling until I get up there and share a proper beer with the lads.”The controversy is particularly embarrassing as coach Brendon McCullum recently reminded the players: “The first thing I tell these boys is ‘don’t do anything that gets you on the front page’ and ‘nothing good happens after midnight’.”The ECB has delayed naming its squad for the next Test while it completes its investigation, leaving both Stokes’ captaincy and Atkinson’s place in the squad uncertain.