Gus

The decision on Stokes and Atkinson brings an element of closure to an extraordinary period, as English cricket has had to deal with yet another off-field controversy.

Without Stokes and Atkinson, an inexperienced England team showing five changes to the one that won the first Test was soundly beaten in the second.

It means Stokes will be back for a crucial decider at Trent Bridge, with England desperate for a series win to alleviate pressure that has grown over the dismal Ashes winter and this latest chaotic episode.

And while Stokes’ return as a leader and all-rounder is vital for his team, there will be renewed scrutiny on his relationship with the rest of the England hierarchy, in particular head coach Brendon McCullum.

All of Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key denied the captain and coach were at odds during the Ashes, when England were hammered 4-1.

Speaking on Sunday, after the loss at The Oval, McCullum said he is ready to work with Stokes again.

“We’ve worked together intimately for four years,” said McCullum. “We’ve achieved some cool things and let ourselves down in other things.

“Our motivation, belief and ambition for this side has not wavered. We have robust conversations all the way through and I think that is to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership. There is a mutual respect to how we operate with those.

“I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I’m sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team.”

BBC Sport chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew says Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson’s drinking incident in a London nightclub is “not on” and the team has to be accountability over England’s drinking culture.

READ MORE: Stokes and drinking give England another headache

The England and Wales Cricket Board is investigating an incident in a nightclub involving captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson following the first Test against New Zealand.

An ECB statement said the pair were involved in a “breach of team protocols” in the early hours of Monday morning, after the conclusion of England’s win at Lord’s on Sunday.

It is the latest controversy to hit the England team following an Ashes tour dogged with allegations of a drinking culture.

Before the Ashes, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand.

As a result, England imposed a midnight curfew on all players and staff.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,” said the statement.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.

“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”

England were criticised for their off-field conduct during the 4-1 defeat in Australia, particularly a boozy mid-series holiday to the coastal town of Noosa.

In the aftermath of the trip to Noosa, a video of Ben Duckett was posted on social media, with the opener appearing to be intoxicated.

Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the time in Noosa, but denied the team had a drinking culture.

At the end of the Ashes series in January, details of the incident involving Brook in October were revealed.

Brook initially claimed to have been alone at the nightclub in Wellington, only for it to emerge that he was alongside Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.