Stokes and Atkinson dropped by England for second test against New Zealand while under investigation

LONDON (AP) — England captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped Wednesday from the squad for next week’s second cricket test against New Zealand while they are under investigation following an incident in a nightclub.

With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root — a former England captain — will lead the team at The Oval for the match that starts June 17.

The England & Wales Cricket Board said Stokes and Atkinson “have not been made available for selection.” They breached team protocols during a night out following the victory over New Zealand in the first test at Lord’s on Sunday.

The incident has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England’s test team following a humiliating Ashes tour.

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket