Dropped for 2nd Test vs New Zealand, Ben Stokes '75%' confirmed to play for Durham in County Championship

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes is training, working hard and in ‘good spirits’ after getting dropped for second Test against New Zealand for the nightclub incident. Durham coach Ryan Campbell has backed Stokes, saying that ‘the door is always open’ for him and played down the incident involving teammate Gus Atkinson.

Former Australian cricketer Campbell feels that the reaction to the nightclub incident is a bit much.

"Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over," Campbell said as quoted by BBC.

"I'm a bit old school, I like a beer after a game of cricket if you've got 10 days off but I'm not the coach, I don't run that system."

Will Stokes play for Durham during ENG vs NZ 2nd Test?

Before the Test series against New Zealand, Stokes played two County Championship game for Durham. Campbell revealed that Stokes has a '75 per cent chance' of playing in Durham's next clash against Northamptonshire at home, starting on June 19, the third day of the Oval Test between England and New Zealand.

Changes in Stokes, Atkinson’s absence

A decision on Stokes’ Test future is yet to be taken by the Cricket Regulator. In his absence, Joe Root has been named interim captain. England have already announced their playing eleven for the second Test, slotting debutant Jordan Cox at no.7 after Jofra Archer’s return. Matthew Fisher has also returned for an injured Ben Stokes whereas Sonny Baker is set to make his Test debut.

Hopeful Stokes to continue playing County cricket?

While the investigation is underway, it is uncertain whether Stokes will play the third and final Test of the series against BlackCaps at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, starting on June 25. Earlier, it was reported that Stokes was ready to retire from international cricket. It led to an emergency meeting and the retirement decision has been put on hold.

If Stokes is to miss the final Test of the series as well, the Northamptonshire game will be the last opportunity to play ahead of the home Test series against Pakistan which begins on August 19 at Headingley, Leeds.

Stokes’ form on return

35-year-old Stokes wasn't at his best during the two games for Durham. He registered scores of 14 and 45 against Worcestershire and Kent respectively. With the ball, he took two wickets each in an inning against Worcestershire. He could bag just one wicket against Kent. In the first Test of the series against New Zealand, he registered scores of 12 and 0 at Lord's. He was wicketless in the first innings and managed to dismiss opener Devon Conway in the second.