The England and Wales Cricket Board has given a clean chit to both Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson after the board finally concluded its investigation into the nightclub incident. Both Stokes and Atkinson were dropped from the second Test against New Zealand for breaching the newly introduced rules. However, after the board concluded its investigation, it recalled Stokes and Atkinson, indicating that Stokes was to continue leading England in the third Test starting on June 25. What did ECB figure out in the Stokes nightclub incident? England released an official statement where they acknowledged that Stokes and Atkinson breached the rules, but they did not initiate the fight. Notably, a midnight curfew was implemented by manager Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum with positive nods from Ben Stokes. With Ben Stokes himself breaching it, it became a bigger issue. In the statement released by the ECB, they confirm that both players are added for the third Test, adding that the violence was not issued by them. It said, "Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men's squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June." It added, "It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion." Read also: Durham closes door for Ben Stokes after ECB's instructions, Atkinson withdraws What exactly happened to Ben Stokes? The issue arose in the aftermath of England's win over New Zealand in the opening Test at Lord's. Following the match, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson allegedly violated the team's recently enforced midnight curfew by visiting a nightclub in Chelsea during the early hours of June 8. The curfew had been introduced by managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum as part of stricter disciplinary measures aimed at raising professional standards after England's underwhelming Ashes performance. Matters became more serious when an altercation reportedly broke out outside the nightclub. During the incident, an ECB security officer assigned to accompany the players was allegedly injured and later required medical treatment, including stitches. In response, the ECB opened a formal investigation and sidelined both Stokes and Atkinson from the second Test pending the outcome of disciplinary action. England's squad for 3rd Test against NZ: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.