England Test skipper and all-rounder Ben Stokes has broken his silence for the first time since his suspension following the late-night incident in Chelsea. The England captain posted a brief message on social media, backing his teammates and wishing them well ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin on Thursday, June 17, at The Kia Oval in London. England head into the match with a 1-0 lead after their 115-run victory in the series opener at Lord's. However, Stokes will miss the game due to his suspension, with former captain Joe Root set to lead the side.
Ben Stokes Breaks Silence for First Time Since Nightclub Controversy
The first we’ve heard from Ben Stokes since Lord’s
“Go well this week men. Debutants do what you been doing 🫡” pic.twitter.com/2wg8CloUhq— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) June 16, 2026
Ben Stokes took to his Instagram story to send a message of support to the England squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. The suspended England captain wished the team well and offered encouragement to the players set to make their Test debuts during the match at The Oval.
"Go well this week men. Debutants do what you been doing," Stokes wrote on Instagram.
The ECB suspended Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after they breached the team's curfew on June 8. The disciplinary action followed an incident at a Chelsea nightclub involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa, during which an ECB security staff member was injured.
Investigations by the ECB and the Cricket Regulator are still ongoing. With Stokes unavailable, Joe Root will captain England in the second Test. He struggled in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, scoring 12 runs across two innings and returning bowling figures of 1/34 from seven overs.
James Rew Earns Maiden Test Call-Up After Jamie Smith Withdrawal
England made a late change to their playing XI ahead of the second Test against New Zealand after Jamie Smith withdrew following the birth of his second child. Smith will remain with his partner and family, while James Rew received his first Test call-up.
"Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter James Rew has been called into the England Men's XI for the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand in place of Jamie Smith. Smith has been withdrawn from the Test match following the birth of his second child earlier today, enabling him to remain with his partner and family,” the ECB’s statement read.
The 22-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter joined the playing XI less than 24 hours before the start of the match. Rew has enjoyed an impressive run in domestic cricket, scoring 11 County Championship centuries since the start of the 2023 season.
The call-up continues a memorable period for the Rew family. James' younger brother, Thomas Rew, recently captained England Under-19s to the World Cup final and scored his maiden first-class century earlier this week.
England Playing XI for The Oval Test
Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (Captain), Harry Brook, James Rew (Wicketkeeper) (Debut), Jordan Cox (Debut), Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matt Fisher, Sonny Baker (Debut)
