Stokes out of second Test with New Zealand over nightclub incident as Root made captain

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been dropped from England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking team curfew while celebrating their first Test victory on Sunday night. Joe Root has been named as captain in Stokes's absence, while the ECB continues its investigation into the incident. Stokes is reportedly in meetings with his agent and advisers considering whether to step down as captain permanently or even retire from international cricket entirely, though former captain Michael Vaughan has publicly backed him to remain in the role.