Stokes could return as captain for third Test against NZ

Stokes could return as captain for third Test against NZImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Stokes is playing for Durham in the County Championship from FridayByStephan ShemiltCricket Correspondent at The OvalPublished3 minutes ago1 CommentsBen Stokes could return as England captain as early as next week for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation for their part in an incident in a London nightclub, when they broke England's midnight curfew.It is understood the process is progressing to a point where a path for the pair to come back is cleared, although an official announcement may not arrive until the conclusion of the ongoing second Test at The Oval.While all outcomes remain possible, there is a growing likelihood Stokes is back to lead England in Nottingham, with the match starting on Thursday, 25 June.Stokes and Atkinson have been made unavailable for the second Test, pending the investigation.In celebrating England's victory in the first Test, they stayed out beyond the curfew and were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.Although they have been prevented from playing for England at The Oval, they remain available to play domestic cricket.All-rounder Stokes is in the Durham squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on Friday (11:00 BST), with Atkinson set to feature for Surrey away to Glamorgan.Lord Botham criticises Stokes for breaking curfewPublished2 hours agoEngland in trouble after dreadful day against NZPublished1 hour agoDropped England captain Stokes to play for DurhamPublished6 hours agoIn a statement released on 8 June, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed Stokes and Atkinson had broken the curfew and are under investigation.In the aftermath there were fears Stokes would retire, ending a storied England career. Those fears were allayed when he returned to training with Durham last weekend...