Ben Stokes returns to action amid nightclub controversy as England await the outcome of an investigation

England captain Ben Stokes (Getty Images) 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.The all-rounder has not featured since being left out of England’s ongoing second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were ruled out of the match while the investigation into the London nightclub incident after England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s continued.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.The controversy stemmed from the events following England’s 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test. Stokes and Atkinson were found to have broken the team’s midnight curfew to celebrate the victory and were present at the nightclub when a member of England’s security staff was allegedly hit by a Saracens rugby club player.Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the independent cricket regulator carrying out separate reviews.In the days following the controversy, there was speculation regarding Stokes’ long-term future in international cricket, with some reports even linking the England captain with a potential retirement. However, those concerns have eased considerably after the 35-year-old resumed training with Durham.His appearance against Northamptonshire will mark just his third county game of the season and could provide a timely boost ahead of England’s next international engagement.With Stokes unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand, Joe Root stepped in as captain on a match-by-match basis.The third and final England Test of the series begins at Trent Bridge next Thursday, meaning a decision on the availability of Stokes and Atkinson is expected in the coming days. Clarification of the ongoing investigation is likely to be needed before the game kicks off, with Monday becoming the key date to determine their participation.