England head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that Ben Stokes is likely to return as captain for the third Test against New Zealand, following his withdrawal from a County Championship match with Durham. Speaking to Sky Sports after England's heavy defeat in the second Test on Sunday, McCullum stated: "Yeah, at the moment that's what we're planning. The rest of the squad [for the third Test] will be announced this afternoon once we've told a few of the lads."
Stokes and Atkinson Dropped After Breaking Curfew
Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were both omitted from the second Test after breaking a team curfew while celebrating England's first Test win against New Zealand at Lord's. Atkinson was also stood down from Surrey's County Championship game on Sunday. The interim captain, Joe Root, led an inexperienced side that struggled against New Zealand at the Oval, with their resistance lasting under an hour on Sunday as Matt Henry claimed all five remaining England wickets.
McCullum's Support for Stokes
McCullum added: "I've been speaking to Ben every day since the incident and have obviously been trying to be supportive. I think it was great he was able to play cricket this week and get some runs. He looked like he had a bit of pep in his step as well. We know a fit, firing Ben Stokes is an asset to every team in the world."
Stokes' Performance for Durham
Stokes opted to play for Durham against Northamptonshire, bowling 25 overs on Friday before scoring a rapid 95 in a session on Saturday, watched by national selector Marcus North. Durham's coach, Ryan Campbell, commented: "All I have seen is the same old Ben Stokes who loves being the Durham dressing room, who loves being around a cricket ground and who hasn't missed a beat." Stokes has been replaced in the Durham XI by Colin Ackermann.
Atkinson's County Performance
Atkinson also performed well for Surrey against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, taking four wickets for 61; he has been replaced in the Surrey XI by Tom Lawes.
Third Test and Ongoing Investigations
England's third Test against New Zealand starts at Trent Bridge on Thursday. The ECB's investigation into the curfew incident involving Stokes and Atkinson is yet to conclude, nor has that of the Cricket Regulator.
