THE OVAL — It took about an hour after England’s 253-run defeat at The Oval for the elephant in the room to finally be addressed. Ben Stokes will return to England’s squad for next week’s series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. As captain.
This came not from the Cricket Regulator, who were still to make public their findings on Stokes’ and Gus Atkinson’s night out in Chelsea’s Rex Rooms in the hours after the team’s victory in the first Test at Lord’s. Nor from the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) communications department.
No, it came from coach Brendon McCullum, who amid all the rumours and speculation surrounding his captain this week could no longer keep up the pretence. He told Sky Sports: “At this stage, we are anticipating Ben will be back.”
He then ditched the caveats when speaking to the written media. “Ben will be back and he’ll be captain.”
Stokes hit 95 for Durham while suspended from England duty (Photo: Getty)
