Ben Stokes could return as England captain for next week’s third Test in Nottingham after relations with his ECB bosses thawed over recent days.
Sources on Thursday night suggested ‘things were moving in the right direction’ with Stokes, who was not considered for the ongoing second Test at the Oval while he and team-mate Gus Atkinson were subject of an investigation for breaking the England team’s midnight curfew following the 115-run win over New Zealand at Lord’s.
The Cricket Regulator has concluded the probe into events that saw a member of England’s security personnel struck by Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa at a Chelsea nightclub in the early hours of June 8 – including interviewing both players involved on Thursday.
It is anticipated that the regulator will recommend a one-match ban – applied retrospectively – meaning that both Stokes and Atkinson would come into the reckoning for the series finale at Trent Bridge.
The future of Stokes, 35, has been uncertain, veering from apologetic in the immediacy of his indiscretion to emotional and angry, prompting fears that he might stand down or even retire from the game altogether.
However, his taking of a more conciliatory tone since Joe Root led England out against the Black Caps in his absence has increased the likelihood of him returning to the fold at the earliest opportunity and Daily Mail Sport understands there is no desire within the ECB to strip him of the captaincy.
Ben Stokes could return to captain England in the third Test against New Zealand, after fears he may have retired following the Chelsea nightclub incident
Stokes will turn out for Durham in the home County Championship fixture against Northamptonshire, starting on Friday, meaning that he potentially faces just two days’ rest before resuming his 15-year international career next Thursday.
Neither he, nor Atkinson – in line to feature for Surrey against Glamorgan over the next four days – will be withdrawn by England to boost their preparations.
