Ben Stokes is expected to return as England’s Test captain for the third and final Test against New Zealand, according to a report by The Telegraph. The ECB and the Cricket Regulator are close to completing their investigations into the nightclub curfew breach involving the veteran all-rounder and Gus Atkinson.
The third Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 25, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. England won the opening Test of the three-match series, while New Zealand, led by Tom Latham have gained the upper hand 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 side and resume his role as captain.
Following the incident, Rob Key and Brendon McCullum stopped short of guaranteeing that Stokes would remain captain. However, recent reports suggest England’s management has become more supportive of his return.
Reports claimed that the England all-rounder even considered retiring from professional cricket in the days following the incident. McCullum also expressed concern about Stokes’ state of mind 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 their upcoming County Championship match against Northamptonshire. The fixture is scheduled to begin in Chester-le-Street on June 19.
Stokes is keen to maintain his match fitness and return to competitive cricket. England continue to assess their squad options for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
The selectors have yet to confirm their final squad. It is yet to be seen whether Stokes and Gus Atkinson will be cleared to return for the match in Nottingham next week.
They Never Learn, Do They? – Ian Botham Criticizes Ben Stokes Over Curfew Breach
Former England captain Ian Botham criticized Ben Stokes for his recent disciplinary breach. Speaking on an episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast, Botham expressed disappointment over the incident and also recalled that Durham supported Stokes during his off-field issues in 2017.
“They never learn do they? It’s as simple as that. We as a club [Durham], when he had the problems in Bristol [in 2017], we stood by him, I stood by him, the whole team stood by him, I was chairman then. Everyone supported him then. I don’t see how you can justify what happened after the game [at Lord’s], especially when you were probably very much in charge of when the curfew is, midnight.”
Botham served as Durham chairman from 2017 to 2024 before becoming the club’s president and played a key role in supporting Stokes during a difficult period in his career.
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Author: Sai Vaitla
