Ben Stokes likely to return as captain for 3rd Test despite ongoing nightclub investigation

England’s Ben Stokes (photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) England Test captain Ben Stokes could be in line to return for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge despite an ongoing investigation into the nightclub controversy which forced him to miss the second Test.This follows from a report in a British newspaper The GuardianThere is growing optimism in England that Stokes will return to the side once the ongoing investigations reach a conclusion. The all-rounder is currently under investigation along with fellow England international Gus Atkinson after allegedly breaching a team curfew and visiting a nightclub where an incident is said to have taken place that required medical attention from an ECB security contact.The report said the mood behind the scenes is “more optimistic” about Stokes’ future involvement with the team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is awaiting preliminary findings from cricket’s independent regulator, which are expected within the next few days. These findings will play a key role in determining the next course of action. Meanwhile, England Test captain Ben Stokes will return to competitive action after being named in Durham’s 15-man squad for the upcoming County Championship match against Northamptonshire in Chester-le-Street, starting on Friday 19 June. Despite ongoing investigations, both players have now been cleared to participate in domestic cricket. Stokes is expected to represent Durham in the Championship game, while Atkinson is likely to return for Surrey in their match against Glamorgan in Cardiff.

Glenn’s century helped New Zealand post a huge total

Continuing unbeaten on 49 on day two of the second Test at the London Oval, Phillips showed both patience and aggression to get his maiden Test hundred off 133 deliveries. His landmark helped New Zealand post an impressive first innings total of 391. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson provided valuable support with a gutsy 41, while England spinner Jacob Bethell finished the innings effectively, finishing with impressive figures of 3/26.In response, England struggled to keep pace with the visitors. Opener Emilio Gay offered resistance with a composed 53 to register his second consecutive Test half-century. However, his dismissal shifted the momentum firmly back in New Zealand’s favour.Seamer Matt Henry then produced a crucial spell during the evening session, batting in successive overs to remove stand-in captain Joe Root for 46 and Harry Brook for 24 with tight lbw decisions. The double whammy derailed England’s hopes of mounting a meaningful counter-attack.Debutants James Rew and Jordan Cox tried to steady the innings with a 39-run partnership, but New Zealand struck again late in the day. Will O’Rourke dismissed Rew for 24 shortly before stumps, leaving Cox unbeaten on 22 and England in a precarious position.At stumps on Day 2, England were 222/6, still trailing New Zealand by 169 runs, with the visitors firmly in control by the third day.