New Delhi: England Test captain Ben Stokes was allegedly drinking with England rugby captain Maru Atoje and other rugby internationals before he was involved in a night club incident in London. According to a report by English outlet Daily Mail, Stokes and fellow England cricketer Gus Atkinson spent Sunday evening at the White Horse pub in southwest London, celebrating England’s Test victory over New Zealand in the first match of the series. Later, they went to the Rex Rooms, a nightclub in Chelsea known as “Chelsea’s naughtiest nightclub”.According to reports, a fight broke out over tables in the VIP area of the club. Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvua allegedly punched Atkinson and instead hit an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard. A large brawl ensued, although Stokes and Atkinson were not injured and are not believed to have started the brawl.Staff at the pub said Stokes arrived at around 9pm, looked “tipsy” and ordered large rounds, with “substantial” double rum and cokes costing up to £25. He was seen chatting with rugby players, including Itoje, Ben Earl and Jamie George. Staff described Stokes’ conversation with George as “very friendly”.The incident has triggered an ECB investigation into a breach of team protocol. In a statement, the ECB said, “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocol following the conclusion of the men’s first Test against New Zealand.”It added, “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were in a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident occurred.”Neither player is expected to be selected for England’s next Test while the investigation continues. Vice-captain Harry Brooke is expected to lead the team.The dispute is particularly sensitive because Stokes helped introduce a strict team curfew after England’s troubled Ashes tour of Australia. Reports suggest he is now considering his international future, with one source describing the situation as “up in the air” and another saying, “I don’t know if he knows what he wants to do yet.”Stokes previously faced suspension following the 2017 incident at a Bristol nightclub, although he was later cleared of sedition charges after a court heard he had acted in defense of two men who had been sexually assaulted.
