The England and Wales Cricket Board has opened an inquiry into a breach of team protocols after Test captain Ben Stokes and fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson were spotted at a London nightclub in the early hours of Monday. The incident follows a midnight curfew imposed by ECB chief executive Richard Gould after disciplinary issues in New Zealand and the previous Ashes series. The board said it has alerted the ECB Cricket Regulator and will release further details before naming the squad for the second Test.

England wrapped the first Test at Lord’s with a 115‑run victory, thanks largely to Atkinson’s 5‑30 spell in the second innings and Stokes’ steady captaincy despite voicing concerns over the pitch. The win marked the side’s first triumph since the Ashes drubbing, yet the nightlife breach threatens to disrupt squad continuity ahead of the Oval clash on June 17.

ECB managing director Rob Key earlier defended the squad, insisting the team does not have a drinking problem after Harry Brook received a £30,000 fine and a final warning for a similar club incident. Key’s comments highlight the board’s attempt to balance strict curfews with player welfare, but the current probe places Stokes and Atkinson’s availability in doubt for the upcoming series.