Ben Stokes controversy: What happened at the Chelsea nightclub?

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has recovered himself astatine the centre of a caller contention aft a late-night incidental astatine a Chelsea nightclub pursuing England's triumph implicit New Zealand astatine Lord's.The incidental occurred successful the aboriginal hours of Monday aft respective England players went retired to observe the Test win. While a larger radical was reportedly contiguous earlier midnight, Stokes and accelerated bowler Gus Atkinson are understood to person remained retired beyond the team's precocious introduced midnight curfew, putting them successful breach of ECB regulations.

According to a study from The Telegraph, Stokes and Atkinson became progressive successful an altercation involving a Saracens academy rugby player. While details of the confrontation stay nether investigation, it is understood that the rugby subordinate allegedly attempted to punch Atkinson. However, the punch reportedly missed its intended people and alternatively struck an ECB information defender who was accompanying the England players. The information defender suffered injuries that required stitches. Neither Stokes nor Atkinson was injured during the incident.Importantly, ECB sources person maintained that the England cricketers "were not the aggressors" successful the confrontation.

It besides remains unclear whether immoderate further punches were thrown aft the archetypal blow. Police were not called to the nightclub, and nary arrests were made.The incidental has triggered an ECB investigation, with the substance besides referred to the Cricket Regulator. Saracens person confirmed they are looking into the engagement of 1 of their academy players.A elder rugby root has reportedly defended Stokes, saying: "The Saracens subordinate caused this and has a rep.

I would not privation the England cricket skipper to suffer his occupation implicit this."Despite suggestions that Stokes and Atkinson were not liable for starting the altercation, the ECB is said to beryllium furious astir the curfew breach. The timing is peculiarly delicate arsenic England precocious tightened off-field behaviour rules pursuing erstwhile disciplinary concerns.With the probe ongoing, Stokes and Atkinson are expected to miss the 2nd Test against New Zealand, portion vice-captain Harry Brook is apt to pb the side. Stokes's aboriginal arsenic England skipper could besides beryllium connected the findings of the inquiry.