According to a report in The Telegraph, Ben Stokes is expected to return as England’s Test captain for the third and final Test against New Zealand. The ECB and the cricket regulator are close to completing their investigation into the night club curfew violation involving veteran all-rounder Gus Atkinson.
The third Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 25 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. England won the opening Test of the three-match series, while Tom Latham-led New Zealand took the lead in the ongoing second Test at the Kia Oval in London.
Ben Stokes expected to resume England captaincy in third Test
The cricket regulator recently interviewed Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson as part of its investigation into the nightclub incident. England’s internal review is expected to be announced before the end of the ongoing second Test at the Oval.
With Stokes and Atkinson unavailable, Joe Root is leading England in the second Test against New Zealand. Stokes is expected to return to the team and resume his role as captain.
After this incident, Rob Key and Brendon McCullum stopped guaranteeing that Stokes would remain captain. However, recent reports suggest that the England management has become more supportive of his return.
It has been claimed in the reports The England all-rounder also considered retiring from professional cricket In the days after the incident. McCullum had also expressed concern over Stokes’ mental condition while speaking to the media at The Oval earlier this week.
Ben Stokes named in Durham squad amid England selection uncertainty
Ben Stokes has been named in Durham’s squad for the upcoming County Championship match against Northamptonshire. The match is scheduled to start on June 19 at Chester-le-Street.
Stokes is keen to maintain his match fitness and return to competitive cricket. England continue to assess their team options for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
The selectors have not yet confirmed their final team. It remains to be seen whether Stokes and Gus Atkinson will be cleared to return for next week’s match in Nottingham.
They never learn, do they? – Ian Botham criticizes Ben Stokes for curfew violation
Former England captain Ian Botham has criticized Ben Stokes for his recent disciplinary violations. Speaking on an episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast, Botham expressed his disappointment over the incident and also recalled that Durham had supported Stokes during his off-field issues in 2017.
“Don’t they ever learn? It’s that simple. We as a club [Durham]When they had problems at Bristol [in 2017]We stood with him, I stood with him, the entire team was with him, I was the president then. Then everyone supported him. I don’t understand how you can justify what happened after the game [at Lord’s]Especially since you were probably pretty much in charge of when curfew was, midnight.”
Botham served as chairman of Durham from 2017 to 2024 before becoming club chairman and was instrumental in supporting Stokes during a difficult period in his career.
