Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson impressed in the County Championship after being dropped by England, with Stokes taking 1-60 for Durham against Northamptonshire.
Ben Stokes (1-60, 18 overs) and Gus Atkinson (2-33, 15 overs, 2.2 economy) returned to County cricket after their England suspension for violating a midnight curfew. Both are expected to rejoin England's squad for next week's final Test, marking their path to rehabilitation.
Stokes was dropped from the England squad (Image Source: X/@DurhamCricket)
Jun 20, 2026
02:04 am
What's the storyBen Stokes and Gus Atkinson made a strong comeback in the County Championship after their recent exclusion from the England squad.
The duo was dropped for breaking England's midnight curfew during an incident at a London nightclub involving an ECB security guard and a Saracens rugby player.
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Dropped England captain Ben Stokes was denied a wicket with just his fourth ball as he returned to action for Durham in their…
Ben Stokes was dropped from the England squad earlier this week after breaching a team curfew
The England captain was not considered for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking a team curfew.
The 35-year-old is being investigated over a breach of team protocols following the first Test victory over New Zealand.
ECB hinted that both Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson could miss the Oval Test against New Zealand | Cricket
