Ben Stokes likely to return for 3rd New Zealand Test
What's the story
England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, is likely to return for the third Test against New Zealand on June 25, as per Sky Sports News. The all-rounder was left out of the ongoing second Test after an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub. His absence had sparked concerns over his future as captain and potential permanent departure from the sport.
Investigation details
Stokes's absence and the incident details
Stokes was absent from the second Test after he and teammate Gus Atkinson broke the team's midnight curfew. They were reportedly involved in an incident with a member of England's security staff and a Saracens player. However, Stokes is expected to return for the third Test at Trent Bridge as two investigations into the matter are nearing completion.
Potential reinstatement
Captaincy status under consideration
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is ready to proceed with Stokes's return, possibly before next Thursday's clash in Nottingham. However, no final decisions have been made yet. The ECB is also considering his captaincy status, but management is open to him continuing his four-year reign. Joe Root, Stokes's close friend and predecessor as captain, has stepped in for the time being but would not oppose Stokes's return.
Upcoming match
Stokes to play for Durham
Stokes is set to play for Durham on Friday, having made himself available for the four-day Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. The ECB can withdraw him from that fixture at any time but is not inclined to do so. Since the incident, Stokes has only publicly wished England and their three debutants well via a brief Instagram message.
Well-being worries
McCullum's concerns and Campbell's defense of Stokes
England head coach Brendon McCullum expressed concerns over Stokes's well-being in a pre-Test press conference. However, Durham's coach Ryan Campbell said after working with him in the nets that "some of the reaction has been a little over [the top]." He added that "Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over [the top]. From what I've seen, he's in good spirits, he's back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself. Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play."