England leave Ben Stokes out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after a reported breach of team protocols following the side’s first-Test win. Multiple outlets say Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are dropped due to a nightclub incident that includes breaking the team’s midnight curfew in the early hours of Monday. An investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) into the incident is reported to be continuing. With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root returns to the role of Test captain for the second match. Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox are named as additions/call-ups to the squad, with Archer included in some accounts as part of the selections replacing those who were excluded. Several reports describe the disciplinary decision as an interim measure while inquiries proceed, and note that both Stokes and Atkinson are omitted from the playing group for the Oval Test.