Ben Stokes' England return is on the cusp of a dramatic comeback, despite the ongoing fallout from his curfew breach. Behind closed doors, the ECB's top brass are reportedly raring for his swift reinstatement – although their public stance has been more measured in recent days.
The crunch time comes with the Cricket Regulator's preliminary report, due to land within the next few days, detailing Stokes' role in breaking team curfew alongside Gus Atkinson after England's first Test triumph over New Zealand at Lord's. The findings will be a make-or-break moment for Stokes' future with the ECB.
While Brendon McCullum expressed genuine concern for Stokes' wellbeing earlier this week, sources close to the 35-year-old all-rounder reveal he's adamant on continuing his playing career – initially considering retirement after being taken aback by McCullum's comments. And in a clear sign of his impending return, Stokes has been named in Durham's squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire, which kicks off on Friday.
The ECB is running parallel investigations into the incident at Chelsea nightclub, seeking to draw a line under the controversy as quickly as possible. While an immediate recall for the Test series opener at Trent Bridge next Thursday hasn't been ruled out, it's now looking increasingly likely that Stokes will have to wait until England's Pakistan tour in August before rejoining his teammates.
Both Stokes and Atkinson were left out of selection for the current Test match, although their absence from the Oval squad remains shrouded in uncertainty – with no official word on whether it constitutes a formal suspension. Despite tensions simmering over strategy during the Ashes drubbing and curfew breach, McCullum insists his relationship with Stokes is still solid. Insiders at the ECB suggest there's an overwhelming desire to welcome back their star all-rounder.