- England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaching curfew at a Chelsea nightclub following their victory at Lord's.
- Head coach Brendon McCullum expressed significant worry and concern for Stokes, describing his initial reaction as bewildered, then angry, before shifting to a focus on supporting both players.
- Joe Root will stand in as captain for the second Test, having previously led England in a record 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022.
- McCullum stated that it is too soon to discuss Stokes' future as England Test captain, emphasising the immediate priority is to ensure Stokes is 'fine' and to rally around him.
- England will hand Test debuts to batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker at The Oval, with Cox batting at number seven.
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