Cricket Regulator takes no further action against Stokes, Atkinson

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson will face no further action after the Cricket Regulator concluded its investigation into events that took place on June 7-8. The regulator determined there was insufficient evidence to establish a breach of any ECB Cricket Regulations.

The investigation related to an incident following England's victory in the first Test against New Zealand, when Stokes and Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present during an altercation involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player.

With the investigation ongoing, the ECB ruled both players unavailable for the second Test. They later returned to county cricket, with Stokes scoring 95 for Durham and Atkinson taking 4 for 61 for Surrey, before being withdrawn midway through their matches and subsequently recalled to England's squad for the third Test.

The ECB confirmed "no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub," stating Stokes "was not involved in the altercation" and Atkinson "was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate." However, both players were found to have breached contractual obligations and were issued written warnings.

Meanwhile, England suffered a 253-run defeat in the second Test at The Oval. The series is level at 1-1 heading into the decider at Trent Bridge.