England head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that Ben Stokes is likely to return as captain for the third Test against New Zealand. Speaking to Sky Sports after England's heavy defeat in the second Test on Sunday, McCullum said: "Yeah, at the moment that's what we're planning." The squad for the third Test was to be announced later that afternoon.
Stokes and Atkinson dropped after curfew breach
Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped from the second Test after breaking a team curfew following England's first Test win at Lord's. Interim captain Joe Root led an inexperienced side that struggled against New Zealand at the Oval. England's resistance on Sunday lasted under an hour as Matt Henry took the remaining five wickets.
Atkinson was also stood down from Surrey's County Championship game on Sunday. Stokes had been playing for Durham against Northamptonshire, where he bowled 25 overs on Friday and scored a rapid 95 on Saturday in front of national selector Marcus North.
McCullum's support and Durham's perspective
McCullum added: "I've been speaking to Ben every day since the incident and have obviously been trying to be supportive. I think it was great he was able to play cricket this week and get some runs. He looked like he had a bit of pep in his step as well. We know a fit, firing Ben Stokes is an asset to every team in the world."
Durham coach Ryan Campbell expressed a relaxed view: "All I have seen is the same old Ben Stokes who loves being the Durham dressing room, who loves being around a cricket ground and who hasn't missed a beat."
County replacements and ongoing investigations
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that Stokes was withdrawn from the remainder of Durham's match at the ECB's request, replaced by Colin Ackermann. Atkinson, who took four wickets for 61 in Surrey's game against Glamorgan, was replaced by Tom Lawes.
The third Test against New Zealand starts at Trent Bridge on Thursday. The ECB's investigation into the curfew incident, as well as that of the Cricket Regulator, has yet to conclude.
