Stokes, Atkinson left out of Oval Test; Joe Root handed captaincy

Joe Root has been appointed England's interim captain for the second Test against New Zealand, commencing at The Oval on June 17. Root's appointment comes on the back of the ECB investigating regular captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson for their roles in an incident at a nightclub following England's win in the first Test at Lord's.

A statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that both Stokes and Atkinson have "not been made available for selection" for the second Test with the investigation still ongoing.

Stokes and Atkinson were reported to have breached the team's midnight curfew. The duo were reportedly at a nightclub in London until the early hours of Monday (June 8). The incident also involved Saracens Rugby Club player Totua Auvaa, who reportedly threw a punch that injured the ECB security officer accompanying Stokes and Atkinson.

England have made two changes for the Oval Test, replacing the aforementioned duo with wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox and pacer Jofra Archer.

England squad for 2nd Test: Joe Root (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue

The Test at The Oval marks Root's return to captaincy having relinquished his responsibilities in April 2022, before Stokes took over. Root has led in 64 Tests – the most by an Englishman – during which England won 27 and lost 26 games, besides 11 draws. England currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after their 115-run win at Lord's.