England Test captain Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their respective County Championship fixtures on Sunday (Jun 21), indicating their return to the national side for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting next week. Both were dropped from the England Test squad for the second Test at the Oval for breaching the midnight curfew during an incident at a London nightclub. The two were also involved in a brawl, leading to ECB’s investigation into the matter.&nbsp;Amid the ongoing chaos that fuelled speculation about Stokes contemplating international retirement and relinquishing the Test captaincy, the ECB allowed the two to play County games for Durham (Stokes) and Surrey (Atkinson) in the meantime.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-tour-of-england-odi-squad-kohli-bumrah-return-jaiswal-dropped-1782032189597">India tour of England, ODI squad: Kohli, Bumrah return; Jaiswal dropped</a> &nbsp;Stokes enjoyed bowling a lengthy spell for Durham before scoring a gritty 95 against Northamptonshire on Saturday (Jun 20), his highest score across all cricket since scoring a hundred against India in July last year. On the other hand, seamer Atkinson returned with four wickets against Glamorgan. &nbsp;However, both were then withdrawn before day three of those matches, in what is understood to be an attempt to ensure they are fit for the third Test starting Thursday (Jun 25). &nbsp;Meanwhile, investigations into the pair's conduct by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator have yet to be concluded. No official confirmation of the outcomes of those investigations, or an England squad announcement for the third Test, is expected until the conclusion of the second Test at the Oval.&nbsp; &nbsp;England fast bowler Josh Tongue, speaking after Saturday's play, said the side had "missed" the inspirational Stokes at the Oval. &nbsp;“Stokesy is an unbelievable player. I made my England debut when he was captain. I've got huge respect for Stokesy, and it's always nice seeing him get some runs,” the England quick said.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from County matches, signalling a return for England's 3rd Test against New Zealand after their nightclub curfew breach.

England Test captain Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their respective County Championship fixtures on Sunday (Jun 21), indicating their return to the national side for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting next week. Both were dropped from the England Test squad for the second Test at the Oval for breaching the midnight curfew during an incident at a London nightclub. The two were also involved in a brawl, leading to ECB’s investigation into the matter. Amid the ongoing chaos that fuelled speculation about Stokes contemplating international retirement and relinquishing the Test captaincy, the ECB allowed the two to play County games for Durham (Stokes) and Surrey (Atkinson) in the meantime. Also read | India tour of England, ODI squad: Kohli, Bumrah return; Jaiswal dropped Stokes enjoyed bowling a lengthy spell for Durham before scoring a gritty 95 against Northamptonshire on Saturday (Jun 20), his highest score across all cricket since scoring a hundred against India in July last year. On the other hand, seamer Atkinson returned with four wickets against Glamorgan. However, both were then withdrawn before day three of those matches, in what is understood to be an attempt to ensure they are fit for the third Test starting Thursday (Jun 25). Meanwhile, investigations into the pair's conduct by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator have yet to be concluded. No official confirmation of the outcomes of those investigations, or an England squad announcement for the third Test, is expected until the conclusion of the second Test at the Oval. England fast bowler Josh Tongue, speaking after Saturday's play, said the side had "missed" the inspirational Stokes at the Oval. “Stokesy is an unbelievable player. I made my England debut when he was captain. I've got huge respect for Stokesy, and it's always nice seeing him get some runs,” the England quick said.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from County matches, signalling a return for England's 3rd Test against New Zealand after their nightclub curfew breach.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in line for shock England recall amid ECB nightclub probe

England veteran Joe Root said he will take the Test captaincy on a ‘game-by-game’ basis after replacing exiled all-rounder Ben Stokes for the second Test against New Zealand, starting Wednesday (Jun 16) at The Oval. With the ECB selectors dropping Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson for breaching the midnight curfew following the Lord’s Test win, Root agreed to lead the Test side on an interim basis for the first time since 2022.&nbsp;After reports of Stokes and Atkinson getting involved in a brawl at a Chelsea pub made headlines, the second such instance since Harry Brook’s Wellington nightclub episode last year, the ECB is said to have stripped Stokes of the Test captaincy. The Durham all-rounder has also contemplated taking international retirement in the aftermath of this episode.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-2nd-test-oval-head-coach-brendon-mccullum-concerned-about-ben-stokes-wellbeing-after-nightclub-episode-gus-atkinson-1781539144621">England coach McCullum ‘concerned’ about Ben Stokes’ wellbeing after nightclub episode</a>&nbsp;In rather disbelief over leading England once again since being replaced by Stokes, Root said he is in a ‘different place’ now and is also confident in turning the mood in the dressing room following this turbulent period.&nbsp;"I never thought I'd be sat here talking to you guys as England captain again. Zero chance... 0.1 per cent," Root said on the eve of the match to reporters on Tuesday (Jun 16). "The only thinking that came to my mind is what is the best thing for this team, is it going to have a big effect on me and my personal life and which outweighed the other.&nbsp;"The fact is, it felt like it was the right thing to take this on, so I tried to make it as simple as that. I think I am in a very different place to when I finished.&nbsp;“To be captaining this group of players is a really exciting opportunity. It's a game-by-game basis, I think. Let's not look beyond this week.”<h3>Root on Stokes’ future</h3>Close pals with Stokes, with whom Root has played most of his decorated Test career, the right-hander could also lead England in the final Test, which starts just three days after the scheduled finish in London. Revealing his conversation with Stokes in the past week since that episode, Root shed light on how his old friend is feeling and what he must do before calling time on his career.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've spoken to him a number of times over the last week or so," Root said of Stokes. "We're close friends, and I think they should stay as privileged conversations between me and him.&nbsp;"When it comes to how Ben's feeling, how he is, I think they're all questions that he should be answering himself. I'm sure, at the right time and when he's ready, he will."&nbsp;Meanwhile, England lead the three-match Test series 1-0.

Joe Root admits "disbelief" as he returns to lead England on a game-by-game basis for the 2nd Test against New Zealand after captain Ben Stokes is exiled over a late-night curfew breach. 

England veteran Joe Root said he will take the Test captaincy on a ‘game-by-game’ basis after replacing exiled all-rounder Ben Stokes for the second Test against New Zealand, starting Wednesday (Jun 16) at The Oval. With the ECB selectors dropping Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson for breaching the midnight curfew following the Lord’s Test win, Root agreed to lead the Test side on an interim basis for the first time since 2022. After reports of Stokes and Atkinson getting involved in a brawl at a Chelsea pub made headlines, the second such instance since Harry Brook’s Wellington nightclub episode last year, the ECB is said to have stripped Stokes of the Test captaincy. The Durham all-rounder has also contemplated taking international retirement in the aftermath of this episode. Also read | England coach McCullum ‘concerned’ about Ben Stokes’ wellbeing after nightclub episode In rather disbelief over leading England once again since being replaced by Stokes, Root said he is in a ‘different place’ now and is also confident in turning the mood in the dressing room following this turbulent period. "I never thought I'd be sat here talking to you guys as England captain again. Zero chance... 0.1 per cent," Root said on the eve of the match to reporters on Tuesday (Jun 16). "The only thinking that came to my mind is what is the best thing for this team, is it going to have a big effect on me and my personal life and which outweighed the other. "The fact is, it felt like it was the right thing to take this on, so I tried to make it as simple as that. I think I am in a very different place to when I finished. “To be captaining this group of players is a really exciting opportunity. It's a game-by-game basis, I think. Let's not look beyond this week.” Root on Stokes’ future Close pals with Stokes, with whom Root has played most of his decorated Test career, the right-hander could also lead England in the final Test, which starts just three days after the scheduled finish in London. Revealing his conversation with Stokes in the past week since that episode, Root shed light on how his old friend is feeling and what he must do before calling time on his career. "I've spoken to him a number of times over the last week or so," Root said of Stokes. "We're close friends, and I think they should stay as privileged conversations between me and him. "When it comes to how Ben's feeling, how he is, I think they're all questions that he should be answering himself. I'm sure, at the right time and when he's ready, he will." Meanwhile, England lead the three-match Test series 1-0.

Joe Root admits "disbelief" as he returns to lead England on a game-by-game basis for the 2nd Test against New Zealand after captain Ben Stokes is exiled over a late-night curfew breach.&nbsp;

ENG vs NZ 2nd Test: Joe Root admits ‘disbelief’ at England captaincy return after chat with exiled Ben Stokes

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Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in line for shock England recall amid ECB nightclub probe

Root admits ‘disbelief’ at England captaincy return after chat with Ben Stokes