England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been pulled from their County Championship matches, suggesting they will return for England’s third Test against New Zealand, starting at Trent Bridge on June 25.
Both players were unavailable for the second Test at The Oval due to an investigation regarding a possible breach of the team’s curfew after the first Test win at Lord’s. However, they were allowed to play in the County Championship matches currently underway.
Stokes played for Durham against Northamptonshire, scoring 95 runs, marking his highest score in any format since his century against India in last July’s fourth Test. Atkinson represented Surrey and took four wickets in the first innings against Glamorgan.
Although initially named in their county teams, both players were withdrawn before the third day of their matches, reinforcing speculation of their return for the crucial third Test. Reports suggest that Stokes may resume his captaincy at Trent Bridge, with Atkinson likely to join the playing XI.
The investigation into their late-night outing following the win at Lord’s is still ongoing. Neither the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nor team management has confirmed the results of the inquiry. An official announcement on the squad for the third Test is expected after the second Test at The Oval concludes.
England have struggled without several key players in the second Test. In addition to Stokes and Atkinson, Ollie Robinson is injured, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith missed the match for paternity leave. This resulted in five changes from the team that won the first Test, leading to an inexperienced lineup with three debutants.
New Zealand has taken advantage of England’s missing players and is in a strong position to equal the series at 1-1, setting up an exciting decider at Trent Bridge.