Ben Stokes' dramatic exit from the England fold may have been brief, but it's not over just yet – in fact, it's only getting more intriguing. The all-rounder has been named in Durham's squad for their County Championship clash with Northamptonshire, sparking fresh speculation about his future as an England Test player.
The 31-year-old was sensationally left out of the second Test against New Zealand at the Kia Oval alongside team-mate Gus Atkinson, both of whom were embroiled in a probe over a suspected breach of team rules. The incident allegedly occurred after the first Test at Lord's, with whispers of a curfew fiasco that has left tongues wagging across the cricket world.
But despite the surrounding drama, Stokes has been putting in the graft on the training pitch and has now been given the green light to join up with his county. Durham head coach Ryan Campbell is more than happy to have him back, saying: "Our doors are always open for any of our Durham boys – if Ben happens to walk through it, I'll be waiting with arms wide open!" Stokes himself has confessed to making a mistake and is eager to get back on the pitch.
Meanwhile, England head coach Brendon McCullum's words of wisdom have sparked debate about Stokes' future as captain. "I'm worried about Ben," he said. "I care for him immensely – whatever he's working through, it's because he thinks it's right." This has left many wondering if Stokes will ever regain his spot in the England Test side.
Gus Atkinson is set to follow a similar path by joining Surrey against Glamorgan at Cardiff, as the investigations continue with no clear end in sight. The uncertainty surrounding these two players' futures will only add fuel to the fire of an already drama-filled summer for English cricket.