Stokes and Atkinson cleared by Cricket Regulator over nightclub incident

The independent Cricket Regulator has taken no action against Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over the nightclub incident which led to them missing last week’s Test against New Zealand, finding “insufficient evidence” against the pair. The ruling, which effectively clears the England captain and his team-mate, comes after the duo were recalled for Thursday's deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

A parallel investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also absolved Stokes and Atkinson of any wrongdoing in an altercation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa,…