Ben Stokes is set to return to competitive action on Friday after being named in the Durham squad to face Northamptonshire. The England and Wales Cricket Board is hopeful Stokes will be able to make a quick return as England captain.
ECB Optimistic About Stokes' Return
Brendon McCullum, the head coach, and Rob Key, the team's managing director, refused to say that they wanted Stokes back in the side in press conferences over the past week, but behind the scenes the mood is believed to be more optimistic.
The ECB is understood to be waiting for a report from the Cricket Regulator into Stokes's actions in breaking the team curfew along with the fast bowler Gus Atkinson after England's first Test win against New Zealand at Lord's last week. The regulator's preliminary report is due in the next few days and its contents will inform the ECB's next steps.
Stokes Wants to Play On
McCullum repeatedly emphasised his concern for Stokes's welfare during a press conference at the Oval on Monday but, having initially considered retirement last week, the talismanic all-rounder has now made it clear he wants to play on. Stokes is also understood to have been surprised at the tone of McCullum's comments in questioning his mental wellbeing.
The 35-year-old has been named in Durham's squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on Friday, which indicates his desire to return and could create a problem for the ECB if he is omitted from next week's third Test at Trent Bridge without further explanation.
Parallel Inquiries Underway
The ECB is conducting its own inquiries into Stokes's and Atkinson's behaviour in a Chelsea nightclub in parallel with those of the Cricket Regulator, but is eager to get the matter resolved quickly.
An immediate return to the squad for Trent Bridge has not been ruled out, but given that match starts next Thursday an extended break until England's Test series against Pakistan begins in August appears more likely.
Stokes and Atkinson were both made unavailable for selection for the current Test match, although it is unclear whether their absence at the Oval would count as a formal suspension.
McCullum Insists Relationship Strong
McCullum also insisted his relationship with Stokes remains strong despite feeling let down by the captain breaking a curfew and reported tension over strategy during the 4-1 Ashes defeat last winter.
ECB sources said that while Stokes has work to do to win back the trust of the players and management, the overwhelming feeling is that they want him to return.
