London: England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were excluded on Wednesday from the 15-man squad for the upcoming second Test against New Zealand as an investigation continues into their suspected involvement in a nightclub altercation, the nation's cricket governing body announced.

Veteran batsman Joe Root has been designated as provisional captain to fill the vacancy left by Stokes. The second Test match is scheduled to take place at The Oval from June 17-21.

"The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay second Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June. Yorkshire batter Joe Root will lead the team as Interim Captain," the ECB stated in an official release.

In corresponding roster changes, Sussex paceman Jofra Archer and Essex batsman Jordan Cox have been brought into the national squad.

According to media accounts, Stokes was purportedly implicated in a nightclub disturbance alongside his teammate Atkinson. The altercation, which also allegedly featured a rugby player, occurred late Sunday evening following England's decisive 115-run victory over New Zealand in the season's opening Test at Lord's.

Published reports indicated that both Stokes and Atkinson were inside a nightlife venue during the early morning hours of Monday when the confrontation unfolded.

On Tuesday, broadcast outlet TalkSport reported that Stokes is expected to relinquish his leadership position and may simultaneously declare his retirement from the sport.

The ECB had previously disclosed that it was looking into an infraction of internal team guidelines that occurred after the conclusion of the first Test match against New Zealand.

With inputs from PTI