Ben Stokes is all set to return to England’s squad as captain for the third Test against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from June 25 to 29. According to a report in The Telegraph on Friday, Stokes, who was dropped from England’s squad for the ongoing second Test at The Oval along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson, is likely to return as England captain for the series decider next week.
According to available information, Stokes, who is the joint-highest wicket-taker as captain for England in Tests, and Atkinson were interviewed by the Cricket Regulator earlier this week, and the outcome of an internal investigation by the England team management into the curfew breach, for which they were dropped, is likely to be released before the end of the ongoing second Test at The Oval.
Even though “England insist that no final decision has been made on whether Stokes will play in the third Test, there has been a clear softening of attitudes over the past week from an initially angry team management.”
In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root is leading England in the second Test, but it has been reported that if the New Zealand-born all-rounder features in the series decider, he will captain the Three Lions as well.
