ECB pulls Stokes and Atkinson from county games in clearest indication yet of third Test return

Withdrawal signals return

On Sunday, the ECB requested the withdrawal of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson from their County Championship fixtures, a move seen as the clearest signal yet that both will be available for the third Test starting Thursday at Trent Bridge. Stokes had been playing for Durham against Northamptonshire, while Atkinson was with Surrey at Glamorgan. The withdrawals were confirmed by club statements and reported by multiple outlets.

“It's the clearest signal that both will return at Trent Bridge, given they've been pulled from the county game. And if that's the case, if Ben Stokes is able to play, there's no reason he shouldn't captain.”

Stokes finds form at Durham

Before his withdrawal, Stokes enjoyed a productive stint for Durham. Bowling 18 overs on Friday, he then struck 95 off 118 balls on Saturday, including 18 fours, in a 153-run stand with Will Rhodes. The innings was his highest score in any cricket since a century against India in July last year. National selector Marcus North was in attendance at Chester-le-Street.

“All I have seen is the same old Ben Stokes who loves being the Durham dressing room, who loves being around a cricket ground and who hasn't missed a beat.”

Atkinson, meanwhile, delivered a strong bowling performance for Surrey, taking 4 for 61 in the first innings against Glamorgan.

England struggle without their captain

While Stokes and Atkinson shone in domestic cricket, Joe Root's stand-in side at The Oval are on the verge of a heavy second Test defeat. England finished day four on 182 for 5, chasing a record 463. The inexperienced team, featuring three debutants, have been outplayed by New Zealand.

“Stokesy is an unbelievable player. I made my England debut when he was captain. I've got huge respect for Stokesy. Yeah, we've missed him, but we've got a lot of leaders in that team.”

Investigation still open

The disciplinary investigation into the curfew breach following the first Test win at Lord's remains ongoing, but the ECB's move to pull the players from county cricket suggests a resolution is close. No official announcement on the outcome or the third Test squad is expected until after the second Test concludes at The Oval.