Ben Stokes resumed Durham training after being left out of England's second Test against New Zealand due to a late-night incident.
Ben Stokes rejoined Durham's training session on Saturday following an off-field issue that kept him out of England's second Test against New Zealand. The all-rounder and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been kept away from the Oval starting Wednesday while officials investigate their involvement in a breach of team rules. Stokes and Atkinson were present past midnight on Monday when a security worker was struck by a Saracens rugby player after England's first Test defeat last Sunday.
Stokes, who played two County Championship matches for Durham this summer, was seen bowling in the nets before batting alongside Durham's coach Dale Benkenstein, with teammate Emilio Gay also in attendance.
Despite the England and Wales Cricket Board's probe preventing Stokes and Atkinson from featuring in the second Test, both remain eligible for domestic cricket. This means they could take part in the next County Championship round starting Friday, with Durham hosting Northants and Atkinson's Surrey traveling to Glamorgan.
On Monday last week, the ECB confirmed the pair had broken curfew protocols and announced an investigation into the incident.
Speculation that Stokes might retire emerged immediately after the incident, but those claims have since faded. His return to training suggests his playing career will continue, though no official confirmation has been given.
England's director of cricket Rob Key was asked on Thursday whether Stokes would play international cricket again, replying with, 'I don't see why not.' Key, however, provided no certainty regarding Stokes' future as England captain, a role he has held since 2022.
Key noted that multiple factors must be considered before any decisions are made about Stokes' captaincy. 'There are a lot of things to happen before then,' he said. 'We've got to run the investigation, find out what happened exactly. We're in the midst of that at the moment. No decisions will be made until after that.'
The ECB has not asked Stokes to step down, and reports suggesting senior leaders want him removed are considered inaccurate. The governing body is exploring all possible outcomes pending the investigation's conclusion.
An outcome from the ECB's review is not expected before the second Test's conclusion. If the probe drags on, an update would be required before England name their squad for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which begins three days after the second Test's scheduled final day.
England head coach Brendon McCullum is scheduled to address the media at The Oval on Monday.