Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their County Championship matches before the third day, adding to expectations that both will be recalled by England for the third Test.
The background
The pair missed the second Test at The Oval while an investigation continued into an alleged breach of England’s curfew after the first Test win at Lord’s. They were initially made available for county cricket this round.
Stokes played for Durham against Northamptonshire and scored 95, his highest score in any format since his century against India in the fourth Test last July. Atkinson turned out for Surrey and took four wickets in the first innings against Glamorgan.
What comes next
Reports suggest Stokes will resume the captaincy at Trent Bridge, with Atkinson also expected back in the Test XI. The investigation into the alleged late-night outing remains open, and neither the ECB nor team management has given an official update. The third Test squad is expected once the second Test at The Oval ends.
England have been hit by the loss of several key players. Alongside Stokes and Atkinson, Ollie Robinson is out injured and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith missed the match on paternity leave. That forced five changes and a largely inexperienced XI with three debutants.
New Zealand have capitalised and are well placed to level the series at 1-1, which would set up a decider at Trent Bridge.
