NEW DELHI: England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes was reportedly drinking with England rugby captain Maro Itoje and other rugby internationals before becoming involved in a nightclub incident in London. According to a report from the English outlet Daily Mail, Stokes and fellow 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. Later, they went to Rex Rooms, a Chelsea nightclub known as “Chelsea’s naughtiest nightclub”.According to reports, a fight broke out in the club’s VIP area over tables. Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvua allegedly threw a punch aimed at Atkinson that instead struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard. A larger altercation followed, although Stokes and Atkinson were not injured and are not believed to have started the dispute.Pub staff said Stokes arrived around 9 pm, appearing “tipsy” and ordered large rounds, including “plenty” of double rum and cokes costing up to £25 each. He was seen talking with rugby players, including Itoje, Ben Earl and Jamie George. Staff described Stokes’ conversation with George as “very friendly.”The incident has triggered 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.”It added, “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.”Neither player is expected to be selected for England’s next 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 team curfews following 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 yet what he wants to do.”Stokes previously faced suspension after a 2017 Bristol nightclub incident, though he was later cleared of affray charges after a court heard he had acted in defence of two men who were subjected to homophobic abuse.
