The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced England’s squad for the second New Zealand Test. As expected, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson won’t be available for the match due to an ongoing investigation after the players broke the midnight curfew set by the ECB and were involved in an altercation at a nightclub in the early hours of June 8.
Joe Root picked as England’s interim Test captain
In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root will take over as England’s interim Test captain. Surprisingly, Harry Brook, who was deputy to Stokes, hasn’t been picked. The ECB didn’t mention the reason but it’s clear the reason behind the snub is Brook’s actions in New Zealand last year.
Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain at the Kia Oval.Click below for our 15-player squad for the 2nd Test
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 10, 2026England’s ODI captain was punched by a bouncer during a night out in New Zealand last year. Brook continued as the white-ball captain but was warned fined by the ECB for his actions.
“The England & Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay 2nd Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June. Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain. Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer and Essex batter Jordan Cox have been added to the squad,” the ECB said.
Joe Root named England Test captain over Harry Brook, Ben Stokes unavailable for ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Inside Sport India.
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