Dropped from England, Stokes Set to Play for His County Team, Durham

Following the Pub brawl incident, England Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler, Gus Atkinson are unavailable for selection in the second test of the ongoing test series against New Zealand. An investigation is pending on them. 

However, both the players are permitted to play in the domestic county championship games and so Stokes is all set to take the field for Durham against Northants at Chester-le-Street and Atkinson will return to his Surrey team for their match against Glamorgan. 

Both Stokes and Atkinson, broke England's midnight curfew rule while celebrating their test victory at Lords against the Kiwis. They were present at the Pub when a member of the England security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player. 

Both the men are subject to investigation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator who have spoken to these players, and the ECB is hoping to get a quick resolution. In a statement released by the ECB on June 8, it was reported that Gus Atkinson and all-rounder Ben Stokes are under an investigation. 

In the immediate aftermath, there were concerns that the 35-year-old England captain may announce his retirement from Test cricket. Those fears were allayed when he was seen returning to training with the Durham team on Saturday and he is all set to play for the team for the third time this season. 

The head coach of England, Brendon McCullum, while speaking to the media, said he is worried and concerned about Stokes. However, in contrast, Ryan Campbell, the Durham Coach, said, Ben Stokes is in good spirits. 

In the absence of their regular skipper, Joe Root, the former England captain, will lead the side in the second test. England’s third test of the series against New Zealand will begin next Thursday at Trent Bridge so an update on the investigation and availability of Stokes and Atkinson is expected to come before Monday.