Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their County Championship fixtures and are expected to be available for England’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, provided ongoing disciplinary inquiries clear them in time.
The pair sat out the second Test at The Oval after breaching the team curfew during post-match celebrations that followed the first-Test win. An incident at a Chelsea nightclub – in which an ECB security officer was struck – triggered parallel investigations by the ECB and the independent Cricket Regulator. Both bodies hope to publish their findings on Monday. Until then, neither player is officially eligible, though the ECB stresses the process is “nearing completion”.
Stokes, who relinquished the captaincy to Joe Root for the second Test, scored 95 for Durham against Northamptonshire on Saturday and returned 1 for 80 from 25 overs. Atkinson claimed 4 for 61 for Surrey versus Glamorgan. With the Test side 182 for 5 chasing 463 at The Oval, the England selectors moved quickly, pulling both men out of county duty after two days. Colin Ackermann replaced Stokes for Durham; Tom Lawes stepped in for Surrey.
England had already made five changes for the current match, Jamie Smith being absent on paternity leave and Ollie Robinson nursing a right-knee problem. Smith is due to reclaim the gloves, while Robinson bowled at full tilt during practice and looks ready to return. Another reshuffle – potentially mirroring the five-change pattern – is therefore on the cards for what is shaping up as a decider.
“We’re confident the cricket side of things will look after itself once the off-field matters are settled,” said an ECB spokesperson on Sunday, adding that player welfare had been “front of mind” throughout. Durham coach Ryan Campbell struck a similar note after losing his all-rounder mid-match: “When England call, you don’t stand in the way. It’s disappointing for us but we understand the bigger picture.”
Should the all-clear be given, Stokes will resume the leadership, allowing Root to concentrate on his batting after a taxing week on and off the field. England’s squad is scheduled to be named on Monday, with training beginning at Trent Bridge the following day ahead of Thursday’s start.
For the tourists, New Zealand have enjoyed the enforced lull in Stokes-related hostility but are preparing for his likely comeback. “Ben changes the dynamic – he always does,” head coach Gary Stead noted. “We’ll adjust our plans if he’s there, but that doesn’t alter our overall approach.”
The ECB’s final decision will hinge on the disciplinary reports landing in time. If clearance comes, both men should re-enter a dressing-room that, by Root’s own admission, “could do with its captain back”.
Word from inside the England set-up is that fitness, rather than form, will guide selection. Stokes has proved his knee can handle a meaningful bowling load, and Atkinson’s pace remains an attractive option on what is usually a responsive Nottingham surface.
Squad confirmation, then, rests on paperwork rather than performances. Assuming no late surprises, England supporters can expect to see both Stokes and Atkinson in whites again later this week.
