The episode is an unwanted controversy for the ECB following a dismal 4-1 Ashes tour of Australia that was dogged by off-field controversy.
As a result of late-night drinking incidents involving Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Ben Duckett, all England players and staff were placed under a midnight curfew.
Captain Stokes broke the curfew on his first appearance for England since it was introduced. The curfew was still in place on Sunday evening, despite the completion of the 115-run over New Zealand at Lord’s.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the ECB said it was “investigating a breach of team protocols”. The statement confirmed all-rounder Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson had broken the curfew by being present at the nightclub into the early hours.
It later emerged that the member of security staff was struck by Saracens player Avuaa. The staff member was left bloodied and in need of medical treatment.
If Stokes is replaced as England captain, either temporarily of permanently, Test vice-captain Brook would be a candidate to replace him.
The situation presents a problem for the ECB after Brook was also involved in a nightclub incident in October.
The 27-year-old was struck by a bouncer at a Wellington club on the night before he led England in a one-day international against New Zealand.
When details of the incident emerged in January, the ECB said Brook had been given a final warning about his conduct and fined. The fine was initially thought to be £30,000, though there were later suggestions it could have been as much as £50,000.
Bethell and Tongue were also present in Wellington. All three men were investigated by the Regulator, who cautioned Brook and Bethell, and took no action against Tongue.
“The problem for ECB chief executive Richard Gould, and director of cricket Rob Key, is the poor handling of the Brook situation has set a precedent,” said Vaughan, who is also a pundit for the BBC’s Test Match Special.
“They allowed him to carry on as captain, hushed it up and by being so lenient put themselves in a position where they had to come down hard on any other minor transgression of the team rules in the future.
“They hit Brook with a fine, not a suspension. A fine is nothing to these lads. So when those at the highest level of management allow the team to get away with quite a lot, do not be surprised if it happens again.”
