England captain Ben Stokes is on the verge of an international return for next week’s third Test against New Zealand, potentially drawing a line under recent doubts surrounding his future in the sport.
Stokes was sidelined from the second Test at the Kia Oval after breaching a team curfew during a night out in London, an incident that sparked widespread speculation about his captaincy and even his career.
However, tensions appear to have eased, with sources indicating Stokes could rejoin the squad at Trent Bridge as twin investigations into the protocol breach are nearing their conclusion.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, also involved after the Lord’s series opener, were interviewed by the independent Cricket Regulator on Thursday. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now keen to swiftly conclude its own inquiry.
Initially allowing the process to unfold, the ECB is now prepared to act quickly, potentially reinstating Stokes in time for next Thursday’s match in Nottingham. While no definitive decisions have been made, a reconciliation seems the most probable outcome.
The question of Stokes’ captaincy remains, though it is understood that ECB management are open to him continuing his four-year tenure. His close friend and predecessor, Joe Root, stepped in for the ongoing Test but viewed the role as temporary, indicating he would not obstruct Stokes’ return to leadership.
In the immediate future, the 35-year-old Stokes is set to play for Durham on Friday in the Rothesay County Championship against Northamptonshire at Trent Bridge. The ECB retains the authority to withdraw him, but despite the county match concluding just before Test training begins, they are not inclined to do so.
Stokes has made only one public comment since the episode blew up 11 days ago, a brief Instagram message wishing England and their debutants well at the Kia Oval. Head coach Brendon McCullum had previously voiced “worry” and “concern” for his absent skipper’s wellbeing.
Conversely, Durham coach Ryan Campbell offered a different perspective after working with 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.”
Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham had earlier speculated that Stokes might consider leaving the sport if he were to lose 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 stated on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show.
He added: “To be honest with you, it was an unnecessary procedure and one that I think he will regret.”
Botham also criticised the lack of discipline, remarking: “Some people just don’t learn, do they? 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.”
