England captain Ben Stokes and Test team-mate Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from their respective County Championship fixtures on Sunday, in a move widely seen as preparation for next week's series-deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Both players were left out of the ongoing second Test at the Oval after allegedly breaching a team curfew during an incident at a London nightclub following England's victory in the first Test at Lord's.
Although Stokes and Atkinson remain under investigation by English cricket authorities, they were permitted to feature in domestic cricket. Stokes played for Durham and Atkinson represented Surrey during the opening two days of County Championship action that began on Friday.
Stokes, 35, completed an extended spell with the ball before scoring 95 against Northamptonshire on Saturday, his highest score in any form of cricket since making a century against India in the fourth Test in July last year.
Atkinson, 28, claimed four wickets in Surrey's first innings against Glamorgan.
Both players were subsequently withdrawn before the third day of their respective matches in what is understood to be a measure aimed at ensuring their fitness for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which begins on Thursday.
Investigations by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator into the pair's conduct have yet to reach a conclusion.
England, without Stokes and Atkinson and also missing Ollie Robinson through injury and Jamie Smith due to paternity leave, made five changes to the side that secured a 115-run victory in the opening Test.
An inexperienced England side, featuring three debutants, has been outplayed in the 2nd Test as New Zealand have clinched a victory to level the three-match series at 1-1 ahead of next week's finale in Nottingham.
England fast bowler Josh Tongue said the side had felt the absence of Stokes at the Oval.
"Stokesy is an unbelievable player," Tongue said. "I made my England debut when he was captain. I've got huge respect for Stokesy and it's always nice seeing him get some runs."
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