Ben Stokes could return as England captain as early as next week for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, as the investigation into his nightclub curfew breach with Gus Atkinson moves closer to a resolution, British media reported.
Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for the ongoing second Test at The Oval after breaching England’s midnight curfew following the first Test victory over New Zealand at Lord’s.
According to British media reports, there is a growing likelihood that Stokes will return to the England squad and lead the team in the third Test against New Zealand.
The match is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 25, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Although all outcomes remain possible, the process is understood to be moving toward a point where both Stokes and Atkinson could be cleared for a return.
Investigation report expected soon
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is awaiting a report from the Cricket Regulator into the actions of Stokes and Atkinson. The preliminary report is expected in the coming days and will help determine the ECB’s next steps.
An official announcement may not come until after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test at The Oval.
The ECB is also conducting its own inquiries in parallel with the Cricket Regulator’s investigation and is reportedly eager to resolve the matter quickly.
Curfew breach followed Lord’s victory
Stokes and Atkinson are under investigation for breaking England’s midnight curfew after the first Test win against New Zealand at Lord’s.
The pair reportedly stayed out beyond the curfew and were present at a London nightclub when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.
Also Read: Curfew breach: McCullum concerned for Stokes, captaincy uncertain
The ECB confirmed in a statement on June 8 that both players had breached team protocols and were under investigation.
As a result, they were made unavailable for the second Test, though it remains unclear whether their absence counts as a formal suspension.
Players remain available for domestic cricket
Despite being stood down from England duty at The Oval, Stokes and Atkinson remain available for domestic cricket.
Stokes was named in Durham’s 15-man squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on Friday. He reported early for duty at Durham’s Banks Homes Riverside ground, arriving at 8:40am ahead of the scheduled 11am start.
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell had indicated earlier that Stokes could feature in the four-day match. Atkinson, meanwhile, is expected to play for Surrey away to Glamorgan.
Retirement fears ease
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, there were fears that Stokes could retire and bring an end to his celebrated England career. Those concerns eased when the 35-year-old all-rounder returned to training with Durham last weekend.
Reports suggest Stokes initially considered retirement but has since made it clear that he wants to continue playing. His inclusion in Durham’s squad is being seen as a sign of his desire to return to competitive cricket.
ECB hopeful over quick return
The ECB is reportedly hopeful that Stokes will be able to make a quick return as England captain. Behind the scenes, the mood is believed to be more optimistic, despite public caution from England’s leadership.
ECB sources say Stokes still has work to do to regain the trust of players and management, but the overwhelming feeling is that they want him back.
However, some reports suggest an extended break until England’s Test series against Pakistan in August remains possible if the ECB decides against an immediate return.
McCullum, Key avoid endorsing captaincy future
England head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have both addressed the media in recent days but did not publicly endorse Stokes’ future as captain.
Their comments added to speculation that Stokes’ four-year spell as England Test captain could be nearing an end.
McCullum repeatedly expressed concern for Stokes’ welfare during a press conference at The Oval and insisted his relationship with the captain remains strong.
However, Stokes is understood to have been surprised by the tone of McCullum’s comments questioning his mental well-being.
Joe Root is leading England in the second Test against New Zealand in Stokes’ absence. Root, who is deputising as captain, said he would take the role on a “game-by-game” basis.
Throughout the investigation, the ECB has denied that Stokes was asked to resign from the captaincy. The growing expectation now is that Stokes could return to lead England at Trent Bridge.
Anne Botham criticises lack of action
Former England all-rounder Anne Botham criticized what she described as a lack of action against Ben Stokes. She said there could be no explanation for breaching curfew after the Lord’s Test.
Botham also recalled that Stokes had received support when he faced problems linked to the Bristol incident in 2017.
“We all supported Ben Stokes when there were problems in Bristol in 2017,” she said.
A return at Trent Bridge would carry symbolic significance for Stokes.
In 2018, he was cleared of affray charges following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. After being found not guilty, Stokes played his next Test at Trent Bridge.
If he returns in Nottingham next week, it would mark another important turning point in his England career.
