Ben Stokes might return as captain for third NZ Test:England all-rounder was left out of Oval Test after nightclub controversy

England Test team captain Ben Stokes is once again going to return to the cricket field amidst the nightclub controversy. Stokes has been included in Durham’s 15-member squad for the County Championship match against Northamptonshire. This match will be played starting on 25 June in Nottingham. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped from the second Test against New Zealand. Both players had gone to a nightclub after breaking the team’s curfew following their victory in the Lord’s Test. During this, an alleged assault incident occurred with an England team security officer, the investigation of which is still ongoing. Ben Stokes named in Durham squad after missing second Test The all-rounder was included in Durham’s squad for their match against Northamptonshire in the County Championship. He trained with the players as well. Reports did the rounds that Stokes was considering retirement from international cricket after the nightclub controversy. After Stokes was dropped by England, Joe Root was named captain of the team for the second Test. England head coach Brendon McCullum also shared that he was ‘worried’ about Stokes. “When you’re in roles like this, you have to start trying to separate the action from the man. Very quickly, though, talking to Ben in particular, and also Gus, my overall emotion turned to worry and concern for Ben in particular. Since then, it has been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact they have not lived up to the standards we have set for ourselves,” McCullum had said. “You can’t walk past that, and we’ll deal with that in time and through a process. For me, it’s very much about how we support these guys through the next stage, in particular Ben. That is very much where my mind is at, my worry for him,” he added. Controversy erupted just hours after Lord’s Test victory This incident came to light after England defeated New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test on Sunday. On the final day of the match, Gus Atkinson took five wickets for 30 runs and played a major role in the victory, while Stokes also got one wicket. To celebrate this magnificent victory, the players had gone out at night, where they argued with players from a rugby club. Although the investigation is not complete, both players have been allowed to play domestic cricket. Stokes will play for Durham, while Atkinson may take the field for Surrey Club against Glamorgan. In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root is captaining the second Test against New Zealand. The third and final Test between England and New Zealand will begin next week at Trent Bridge.