- England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand.
- Their omission follows a breach of team protocols, including a midnight curfew, and a confrontation after celebrating a victory.
- Former skipper Joe Root will lead the side on an interim basis for the upcoming match at the Kia Oval.
- Both players are currently subject to internal investigations by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator.
- The ECB has not yet taken formal disciplinary action, with their exclusion from the squad seen as a temporary measure.
IN FULL
