Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson ‘blameless for violence’ – ECB

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached “contractual obligations” but were innocent of “violent conduct” in a London nightclub, an inquest found.

England captain Stokes and fast bowler Atkinson have been suspended for a second Test defeat in New Zealand pending an investigation into what happened when they went out to celebrate victory in the first Test two weeks ago.

They breached the team’s midnight curfew and were present when a member of security staff was punched by a Saracens rugby player.

A disciplinary hearing by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found that Stokes and Atkinson had “breached specific contractual obligations which require England players to maintain high standards of conduct at all times and to act in the best interests of England cricket”.

Both men were given written warnings to withdraw from the second test without further action. He has been named in the squad for the deciding Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday, with Stokes returning as captain.

In a separate inquiry by the Cricketer, Stokes and Atkinson confirmed that they had no further issues to answer.

A member of England’s security staff was left bloodied and in need of medical attention after being hit by Saracens player Totoa Avua. An ECB statement said Aviva assaulted Atkinson and the security guard.

“There should be no culpability against the players for acts of violence in nightclubs,” the ECB said.

“Stokes was not involved in the collision and did not witness any incident.

“The evidence seen by the ECB shows that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.”