![Ben Stokes for England [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781789118910_BenStokesForEngland.jpg?type=hq)
Ben Stokes for England [Source: AFP]
Ben Stokes is ready to step back onto the field for the first time since his England suspension. Durham have named the all-rounder in their 15-man squad for the County Championship clash with Northamptonshire, starting Friday at Chester-le-Street.
Stokes missed the second Test against New Zealand after a breach of team rules, yet with the internal investigation ongoing, he has returned to training with his county. Ben Stokes' inclusion now hints at a return to normal while cricket authorities at the England and Wales Cricket Board continue their inquiries.
Why Was Ben Stokes Banned From Playing the New Zealand 2nd Test?
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from the Oval Test squad after breaking the ECB’s curfew during the series opener at Lord’s. The pair left the team hotel in the early hours and visited a nightclub, where an argument escalated into a physical scuffle involving a local rugby player.
During the disturbance, a punch struck an ECB security officer, who needed stitches. The incident’s footage also went viral on the internet, which showed Stokes aggressively taking on the victims.
It also triggered twin investigations by the ECB and the independent Cricket Regulator. In the absence of Stokes, Joe Root stepped in as stand-in Test captain for the second match that is currently taking place at The Oval.
Ben Stokes Set To Return To Action After Ban
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell confirmed that Stokes has been training with the squad and is in contention to play the domestic match.
“Our doors are always open for any of our Durham boys. If Ben happens to walk through it, I will definitely be waiting there with arms open wide,” Campbell said.
As per recent developments, Stokes admitted his mistake and made clear he wants to play, and Campbell described him as being in good spirits, who is working hard, and is ready to let events take their natural course.
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Brendon McCullum Backs Stokes’ Return
England head coach Brendon McCullum has stayed in constant contact with Stokes, stressing his personal concern. “I’m worried about Ben,” McCullum said.
He avoided labelling the county return as a positive step, instead noting that whatever Stokes is working through is something the player feels is right for dealing with his emotions.
"Whatever he is working through at the moment, it will be because Ben thinks that's right for dealing with what he's feeling at the moment. So my concern is Ben.
He's very entitled to make his own decisions around that stuff and I encourage him to keep doing stuff like that because if it gives him some joy and some satisfaction, then that's good," McCullum added.
Will Stokes Make It to the National Side Soon?
The investigations are still in progress, and both Ben Stokes and Atkinson are expected to be interviewed by the Cricket Regulator before turning out for their counties.
Inside sources suggest a growing feeling that neither player started the fight, and they could be cleared for the third Test against New Zealand. In the immediate term, Stokes is serving his suspension by missing the Oval match.
A resolution over the next 48 hours may open the door for his England return, though any charge of bringing the game into disrepute would extend his absence. For now, his Durham comeback represents the first clear step back towards the national set-up.
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