Ben Stokes moves closer to England return after withdrawal from Durham duty

Ben Stokes’ Test return moved a step closer on Sunday after England pulled him out of Durham’s ongoing match against Northamptonshire.

The England and Wales Cricket Board stood the captain down from the second Test against New Zealand pending a disciplinary investigation into a breach of team protocols in the early hours of June 8.

But both he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also left out following his part in the breach of curfew, were released to play county cricket in the meantime but have now been removed from their respective fixtures.

Although the ECB has yet to finalise its findings, the expectation that both Stokes and Atkinson will return to the national side for next week’s third Test at Trent Bridge has grown following their withdrawal.

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Immediate return

The current round of Championship fixtures is due to end on Monday, with England convening in Nottingham for their first training session on Tuesday afternoon.

Stokes took one wicket in an 18-over workout at Chester-le-Street on Friday, then hit 95 in a lively knock, while Atkinson claimed four for 61 in Surrey’s game at Glamorgan.

Colin Ackermann takes Stokes’ spot, with England Lions seamer Tom Lawes replacing Atkinson.

Provided they become available for selection, as expected, both men would return immediately to an England side that has struggled in their absence at the Kia Oval.

Missed him

Reacting to the news, former England skipper Michael Atherton told Sky Sports Cricket: “It’s the clearest signal that both will return at Trent Bridge, given they’ve been pulled from the county game.

“And if that’s the case, if Ben Stokes is able to play, there’s no reason he shouldn’t captain.”

Speaking after a chastening fourth day against New Zealand, which came as Stokes was hitting form 275 miles away, England bowler Josh Tongue said: “Stokesy is an unbelievable player.

“It’s always nice to see him get some runs.

“I’ve got huge respect for Stokesy. Yeah, we’ve missed him, but we’ve got a lot of leaders in that team.”

READ MORE: New Zealand teach England a harsh lesson on day four at The Oval