Ben Stokes is reportedly on the verge of returning to lead England as captain for the third Test against New Zealand, scheduled to commence next Thursday, 25th June, at Trent Bridge. This development follows an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) into a late-night incident in London involving Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson, where they breached the team's midnight curfew.
The two players were made unavailable for the ongoing second Test at The Oval as the investigation proceeded. However, sources suggest that the disciplinary process is nearing a conclusion, potentially clearing the path for their return. While an official statement may not be issued until after the current Test match, there is a growing expectation that Stokes will be back at the helm for the Nottingham fixture. Both Stokes and Atkinson have reportedly been interviewed this week as part of the ECB's efforts to achieve a swift resolution.
Despite their unavailability for England, both players have remained active in domestic cricket. All-rounder Stokes has been included in the Durham squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire, which began on Friday. Similarly, Atkinson is set to feature for Surrey in their away fixture against Glamorgan. This continued involvement in county cricket had somewhat allayed earlier fears, which arose in the aftermath of the incident, that Stokes might consider retiring from the sport.
The incident in question occurred while celebrating England's victory in the first Test. Stokes and Atkinson were present when a security staff member was reportedly struck by a Saracens rugby player, having stayed out beyond the designated curfew. Following this, the ECB released a statement on 8th June confirming the curfew breach and the commencement of an investigation. During this period, neither England's Director of Cricket, Rob Key, nor Head Coach, Brendon McCullum, had publicly endorsed Stokes' long-term future as captain, fuelling speculation about his four-year tenure.
Joe Root is currently deputising as captain for the second Test, having stated he would lead the side on a 'game-by-game' basis. The ECB has consistently denied any suggestions that Stokes was asked to resign from the captaincy. A return at Trent Bridge would hold particular significance for Stokes, as it was at this venue in 2018 that he played his first Test after being cleared of charges of affray related to a separate incident outside a Bristol nightclub.