Ben Stokes dropped for second Test against New Zealand after breach of protocol
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 2:40 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Ben Stokes has been excluded from England's second Test against New Zealand due to a breach of team protocol involving a midnight curfew violation. Former captain Michael Vaughan supports Stokes, stating he has 'earned the right' to remain captain despite the recent incident, which also saw seamer Gus Atkinson suspended. Vaughan praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's handling of the disciplinary actions. Joe Root will captain the team for the upcoming match at the Kia Oval, while further speculation surrounds Stokes's future as he has not publicly addressed his situation.
- •Stokes violated a midnight curfew and has been suspended for the second Test.
- •Michael Vaughan defends Stokes's right to retain the captaincy.
- •Joe Root will take over the captaincy against New Zealand at the Kia Oval.
- •The ECB has been praised for its quick handling of the situation.
- •Stokes's future with the team and in cricket remains speculated.
- 10:17 PMYahoo Sports — 'He's earned the right': Michael Vaughan's powerful message amid Ben Stokes captaincy crisis
- 2:40 PMYahoo Sports — Ben Stokes has ‘earned the right’ to keep England captaincy, insists Michael Vaughan
"Former England captain Michael Vaughan backs Ben Stokes to continue leading the national side despite his suspension for breaching team curfew. Vaughan acknowledges Stokes' mistake but emphasizes his significant contributions, suggesting the ECB should allow him to return as skipper. He also commends the ECB for their swift handling of the situation.
"Ben Stokes will miss England’s second Test against New Zealand this week
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 10:17 PM'He's earned the right': Michael Vaughan's powerful message amid Ben Stokes captaincy crisis
Former England captain Michael Vaughan backs Ben Stokes to continue leading the national side despite his suspension for breaching team curfew. Vaughan acknowledges Stokes' mistake but emphasizes his significant contributions, suggesting the ECB should allow him to return as skipper. He also commends the ECB for their swift handling of the situation.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 2:40 PMBen Stokes has ‘earned the right’ to keep England captaincy, insists Michael Vaughan
Ben Stokes will miss England’s second Test against New Zealand this week
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