England captain Ben Stokes is set to return for Durham this week after being left out of the second Test against New Zealand for a breach of team protocols.
He has been named in Durham's 15-man squad for their Division Two County Championship match against Northamptonshire, starting on Friday at Chester-le-Street.
His availability comes while the ECB and the Cricket Regulator continue separate investigations into an incident after the first Test at Lord's, when Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke a midnight curfew. The issue led to an ECB security liaison needing medical attention after a nightclub fracas. Both players were interviewed on Thursday, day two of the second Test.
There is still doubt over whether Stokes will return as England captain. The ECB has said privately that it does not want to remove the 35-year-old, but it has given no public assurance that he will resume the role he began in 2022. Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Joe Root have all avoided direct comments on his future.
McCullum and Durham coach give mixed pictures
Speaking at the Kia Oval on Monday, head coach Brendon McCullum said he was worried about Stokes and remains in regular contact with him. He said Stokes will make his own choices about how to deal with the situation and added that he supports anything that gives the allrounder "joy and some satisfaction.
Durham coach Ryan Campbell told the BBC on Tuesday that Stokes was "in good spirits and "working hard in training. Stokes has not spoken publicly, apart from an Instagram story on Tuesday evening wishing the England Test side well after five changes were made, including maiden Test caps for Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and James Rew.
Possible return dates for Stokes and Atkinson
Friday would be Stokes' third Durham appearance of the season. He played two matches in May to prepare for the New Zealand series, his first competitive games since the final Ashes Test in Sydney. Atkinson could also return this week after being named in Surrey's squad to face Glamorgan in Cardiff.
Both players could still be in line for England selection for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, which begins next Thursday. Stokes' short return to county cricket may help clarify his fitness and state of mind before England decide on their next step.
