England captain Ben Stokes is close to returning in next week’s third Test against New Zealand, finally ending doubts over his international future.
Stokes was stood down from the second Test at the Kia Oval after breaking a team curfew on a night out in London, prompting fears he could be stripped of the captaincy, stand down of his own accord or even walk away permanently.
But the mood has calmed in recent days and the Press Association understands Stokes could now rejoin the squad at Trent Bridge, with twin investigations into the episode hurrying towards a conclusion.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also involved in the protocol breach following victory in the series opener at Lord’s, were interviewed by the independent Cricket Regulator on Thursday and the England and Wales Cricket Board is now eager to conclude its own probe swiftly.
Having initially been keen to let the process breathe, the ECB now feels ready to move ahead and could act swiftly enough to bring Stokes back into the fold in time for next Thursday’s clash in Nottingham.
While no firm decisions have yet been taken, it appears a rapprochement is the likeliest outcome.
Stokes’ status as captain is another issue to resolve and it is thought ECB management are open to him continuing his four-year reign.
His close friend and predecessor Joe Root stepped back into the breach this week but viewed the role as being on a “game-by-game basis” and would not stand in the way.
In the immediate term, the 35-year-old is set to play for Durham on Friday, having made himself available for the four-day Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Trent Bridge.
The ECB has the power to withdraw him from that fixture at any stage but, even though it is due to conclude on Monday and pre-Test training begins the next morning, is not inclined to do so.
Stokes has made only one public intervention since the episode blew up 11 days ago, wishing England and their three debutants well at the Kia Oval via a brief Instagram message.
Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to raise concerns over his wellbeing in a pre-Test press conference, where he repeatedly voiced his “worry” and “concern” for the absent skipper.
But Durham’s coach Ryan Campbell offered a different perspective after working alongside Stokes in the nets.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over (the top).
“From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself. Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play.”
England great Lord Ian Botham earlier suggested Stokes might decide to leave the sport should he be stripped of the captaincy.
“It wouldn’t surprise me, if Ben did lose the captaincy, he probably might walk away from the game, but I just don’t know,” Botham said on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show, which will be broadcast in full on Tuesday morning.
“To be honest with you, it was an unnecessary procedure and one that I think he will regret.”
Botham feels there is no justification for the latest incident of ill-discipline.
“Some people just don’t learn, do they?” he added. “Everybody supported him, but I really can’t see how you can justify what happened after the game. We used to love going out for a drink, but we weren’t quite so obvious.”
