England all-rounder Ben Stokes could well be on his way to international return after the recent nightclub incident left his career on crossroads. Having been dropped for the ongoing second Test against New Zealand at the Kia Oval in London, Stokes, has been named in Durham’s squad, with the star all-rounder set to be in action on Friday. Atkinson, who was also axed for the Oval Test against New Zealand, could also feature in the County game.
Have Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson been cleared for international return?
Both Stokes and Atkinson reportedly broke the team’s midnight curfew after they went to the nightclub in London following England’s 115-run win over New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. While the pair were reportedly embroiled in a spat with Saracens Rugby player Totoa Auva’a, none of them were hurt despite things turning seemingly physical. However, the England Cricket Board (ECB) are seemingly treating it as a breach of protocol, forcing them to drop Atkinson and Stokes from the side for the second Test. As a result, Joe Root is captaining England.
According to BBC Sport, both are subject to investigation by the ECB and the Cricket Regulator. Both have also been spoken to an the ECB is hoping for a swift resolution. There were also strong suggestions that Stokes, the 35-year-old may retire from the game; however, those fears may have allayed as the veteran returned to training with Durham and will play for them for the third time in the season. Atkinson, who took a fifer at Lord’s against New Zealand, is expected to link up with Surrey for the trip to Glamorgan.
Will Ben Stokes make a comeback in the third Test against New Zealand?
Should the seam-bowling all-rounder make a good impression for Durham, he could make a successful return to the national side for the third and final Test against the Black Caps at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The star cricketer will be looking to spend some time in the middle and be desperate for runs, given his poor returns with the bat in the Ashes and the opening Test against New Zealand.
If both Stokes and Atkinson are cleared, they could also be subsequently withdrawn from their county fixtures and replaced by other players.
