England Test Captain Ben Stokes is set to return to professional cricket following his involvement in the London nightclub controversy, which saw his losing his place in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand.
According to Cricbuzz, the seasoned all-rounder has been included in Durham’s squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire, starting June 19 in Chester-le-Street.
Stokes was not available for selection for the Oval Test due to an ongoing investigation into a nightclub incident in London. His teammate, fast bowler Gus Atkinson, was also left out of the second Test after both players broke England’s midnight curfew following their win at Lord’s.
The two were later involved in a nightclub incident that also
included Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa. Reports suggest that Auvaa threw a punch, which injured an ECB security officer who was with Stokes and Atkinson.
Stokes’ return to domestic cricket comes at a time when there is uncertainty around his future as England’s Test captain and even his place in the side. Director of Cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum have not given any clear answers yet. In his absence, Joe Root led England in the Oval Test.
The controversy erupted following England’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the first Test. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were found to have broken the team’s midnight curfew while celebrating the victory. They were later at a nightclub where a member of England’s security staff was reportedly hit by a player from Saracens Rugby Club.
With Stokes unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand, Joe Root has taken over as captain on a match-by-match basis.
England’s third and final Test of the series will start next Thursday at Trent Bridge. A decision on whether Stokes and Atkinson will be available is expected in the next few days.
