Ben Stokes’ Test return moved a step closer on Sunday after England pulled him out of Durham’s ongoing match against Northamptonshire.
The England and Wales Cricket Board stood the captain down from the second Test against Latest Zealand pending a disciplinary investigation right into a breach of team protocols within the early hours of June 8.
But each he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also omitted following his part within the breach of curfew, were released to play county cricket within the meantime but have now been faraway from their respective fixtures.
Although the ECB has yet to finalise its findings, the expectation that each Stokes and Atkinson will return to the national side for next week’s third Test at Trent Bridge has grown following their withdrawal.
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Immediate return
The present round of Championship fixtures is as a consequence of end on Monday, with England convening in Nottingham for his or her 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 vigorous knock, while Atkinson claimed 4 for 61 in Surrey’s game at Glamorgan.
Colin Ackermann takes Stokes’ spot, with England Lions seamer Tom Lawes replacing Atkinson.
Provided they develop into available for selection, as expected, each men would return immediately to an England side that has struggled of their absence on the Kia Oval.
PICTURES: Owen Humphreys/PA
Missed him
Reacting to the news, former England skipper Michael Atherton told Sky Sports Cricket: “It’s the clearest signal that each will return at Trent Bridge, given they’ve been pulled from the county game.
“And if that’s the case, if Ben Stokes is in a position to play, there’s no reason he shouldn’t captain.”
Speaking after a chastening fourth day against Latest Zealand, which got here as Stokes was hitting form 275 miles away, England bowler Josh Tongue said: “Stokesy is an unbelievable player.
“It’s at all times nice to see him get some runs.
“I’ve got huge respect for Stokesy. Yeah, we’ve missed him, but we’ve got quite a lot of leaders in that team.”
READ MORE: Latest Zealand teach England a harsh lesson on day 4 at The Oval
