Ben Stokes moves step closer to England return after withdrawal from Durham duty – UK Times

Ben Stokes’ Test return moved a step closer on Sunday after England pulled him out of Durham’s ongoing match against Northamptonshire.

The England captain was stood down from the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand pending the results of an disciplinary investigation into a breach of team protocols in the early hours of June 8.

But both he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also left out following his part in the breach of curfew, were released to play county cricket in the meantime but have now been removed from their respective fixtures.

Although the England and Wales Cricket Board is yet to finalise its findings, the expectation that both Stokes and Atkinson will be back with the national side for next week’s third Test at Trent Bridge has been bolstered by their withdrawal.

The current round of Championship fixtures is due to end on Monday, with England convening in Nottingham for their first training session on Tuesday afternoon.

Stokes took one wicket in an 18-over workout at Chester-le-Street on Friday, then hit 95 in a lively knock, while Atkinson claimed four for 61 in Surrey’s game at Glamorgan.

Provided they are made available for selection, as expected, both men would return immediately to an England side that has struggled in their absence at the Kia Oval.