Stokes was left out of the second Test against New Zealand after a curfew breach

Ben Stokes will, one hopes, soon be back to resume his magnificent career. But a new chapter calls for a new nickname

England captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson have been dropped for the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval following a late-night nightclub incident in London.

Ben Stokes will miss England’s second Test against New Zealand this week

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With Ben Stokes absent, Root saw his side make a decent start to the second Test against New Zealand.

The England captain was not considered for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking a team curfew.

Ben Stokes has been picked in the Durham squad for their home match against Northamptonshire in Chester-le-Street beginning Friday | Cricket

The 35-year-old is currently suspended but is expected to back with the team in time for the third Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board is hopeful that Ben Stokes will be able to make a quick return as England captain

It is anticipated that the regulator will recommend a one-match ban - applied retrospectively - meaning that both Stokes and Atkinson would come into the reckoning for the series…

Stokes was left out of the second Test against New Zealand after a curfew breach

England captain Ben Stokes could return to Test duty as soon as next week's series finale against New Zealand, several British media outlets reported Thursday.