Tim Bostock's bewilderment has been palpable, as he's struggled to comprehend the frenzy surrounding Ben Stokes' mental state following a club night kerfuffle. The Durham chief executive insists that the 35-year-old all-rounder is "absolutely fine", describing him as "just normal Ben" – just what you'd want from your mate down at the pub, not the England Test captain under the microscope!
Bostock's words of reassurance were music to the ears of Stokes' fans, who've watched their hero navigate a media maelstrom. Speaking to BBC Look North, he acknowledged that maybe, just maybe, Ben was left scratching his head in those initial 24 hours after the news broke. But now, it seems, common sense is reasserting itself, and Bostock's convinced: "He has been absolutely fine. He is very positive and always is."
The incident, which has left a trail of questions and speculation, occurred on June 8th when Stokes and fellow fast bowler Gus Atkinson found themselves at the centre of an investigation. The details are still sketchy, but we do know that they were present when a security staff member was reportedly struck by a Saracens rugby player – and now the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is hoping for a swift resolution.
As the inquiry plods on, whispers of Stokes reclaiming his role as captain for next week's third Test at Trent Bridge are getting louder. Bostock's comments offer some insight: "This is a difficult situation. It sounds like common sense is prevailing. We are happy to have Ben here but not under these circumstances." England introduced those curfews after last winter's Ashes debacle, and it seems they're sticking to their guns.
On the field, Stokes has been putting in the work for Durham against Northamptonshire – a tidy 1-60 from 18 overs that hinted at no loss of form or intensity. He even snaffled George Bartlett's wicket, giving fans reason to believe their hero is back on track. His coach, Ryan Campbell, weighed in with some reassuring words: "The north east love their own and when one of our guys is having a hard time we circle the wagons and help him get back up. We will always do that for Ben Stokes. He is in good spirits."
Meanwhile, fellow fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been getting on with it for Glamorgan in Cardiff – 2-33 from his stint before bad light curtailed play. The fact that both players are able to continue playing while the investigation continues suggests that this whole sorry business isn't yet holding them back.