Ben Stokes: Durham chief Tim Bostock ‘bemused’ by doubts over England captain’s state of mind

An investigation into the nightclub incident, when Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player, remains ongoing.

While the England and Wales Cricket Board is hopeful of a swift resolution, no update is expected on Friday.

There remains a growing likelihood Stokes will return as England captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge next week.

“This is a difficult situation,” added Bostock. “It sounds like common sense is prevailing.

“We are happy to have Ben here but not under these circumstances.”

England introduced a curfew after a number of off-field incidents dogged their defeat in last winter’s Ashes in Australia.

In the aftermath of the incident on 8 June there were fears Stokes would retire, ending a storied England career. Those fears were allayed when he returned to training with Durham last weekend.

He has continued to train with his county through the past week and, with the investigation not preventing the all-rounder – nor fast bowler Atkinson – from playing in domestic, both returned to the field on Friday.

After having a catch dropped in his first over, Stokes had returned figures of 0-26 in nine overs by tea on day one against Northants at Chester-le-Street.

Atkinson dismissed Kiran Carlson and Ben Kellaway in his first 11 overs in Surrey’s visit to Glamorgan.

“[Stokes] should be playing for England,” Bostock said. “Hopefully will be back captaining next week.”

If Stokes and Atkinson are picked to play in Nottingham they may have to be withdrawn from the latter part of the county fixtures, given the Test begins on Thursday.