Ben Stokes is set to return to competitive cricket after being named in Durham’s 15-member squad for their County Championship clash against Northamptonshire at Chester-le-Street, starting June 19. The development comes despite the England Test captain remaining under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator.
Stokes, along with Surrey fast bowler Gus Atkinson, is being investigated following a nightclub incident during England’s Ashes tour of Australia. The pair allegedly breached the team’s midnight curfew on June 8, and reports claimed their security detail was assaulted during the incident, with one member requiring stitches.
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The controversy led to both players being released from England’s squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. Joe Root stepped in as captain, while Jofra Archer was brought back into the side. Since then, uncertainty has surrounded Stokes’ future as England skipper, with neither managing director Rob Key nor head coach Brendon McCullum confirming whether he will regain the captaincy.
Speculation over a possible retirement also emerged, but Stokes appears focused on returning to cricket. The all-rounder trained with Durham earlier this week and has now been included in the squad. He previously represented Durham in County Championship fixtures against Worcestershire and Kent in May.
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell recently backed his star player, praising the manner in which Stokes has responded to the situation.
“Ben is a competitor. He loves to play and wants to play. He put his hand up and said he made a mistake. From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits. He’s back in training, working hard, and the rest will take care of itself,” Campbell told the BBC.
While Stokes prepares for a return with Durham, Atkinson is expected to feature for Surrey in their upcoming County Championship fixture against Glamorgan in Cardiff.
