Ben Stokes has been left out of England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking the team curfew following their victory in the first Test on Sunday night. Gus Atkinson has also been dropped for the same incident. Joe Root will captain the side at the Oval.
Stokes Weighing Up Future
Stokes, England's full-time captain, is reportedly considering his future after contributing to the resurfacing of debates about the team's professional culture. He spent Wednesday in meetings with his agent and advisers. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed in a statement: "Given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the second Test against New Zealand. Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as interim captain."
Injuries and Replacements
With Brydon Carse also sidelined due to a hand injury sustained in April, England will be without three of their top four wicket-takers from the past two years. To bolster the bowling attack, Sonny Baker and Jofra Archer are likely to be included. Archer returns after his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals and a break in Barbados. Surrey's Matthew Fisher is also in the squad.
Coach Brendon McCullum faces a dilemma over whether to strengthen the batting, which could mean dropping spinner Shoaib Bashir. Bashir played at Lord's but didn't bowl, and in his only previous Test at the Oval, he took one wicket for 65. If McCullum opts for an extra batter, James Rew could make his debut, while Jordan Cox has been added to the group. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell can provide spin options if needed.
