Absent from England’s second Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes bowled fast for Durham but ended 15 overs with a breakthrough

His side may have got the best of the first day of the second Test, but it lacked the verve that their talismanic skipper brings

Stokes is in contention to feature in the County Championship amid an ongoing investigation

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

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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 being investigated over a breach of team protocols following the first Test victory over New Zealand.

Ben Stokes is expected to return as England captain after missing the second Test for breaking team protocols by visiting a nightclub in the early hours of the morning

Absent England captain Stokes was applauded warmly by a sparse crowd at the Riverside.

Dropped England captain Ben Stokes was denied a wicket with just his fourth ball as he returned to action for Durham in their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on…

The England captain was in County Championship action after being stood down for the second Test against New Zealand.

Absent from England’s second Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes bowled fast for Durham but ended 15 overs with a breakthrough

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 scored an impressive 95 for Durham in the County Championship, while England faced a challenging situation against New Zealand at The Oval.