Ben Stokes trains amid England investigation

Sunday, June 14, 2026

England captain Ben Stokes returned to training with Durham despite being suspended from international duty amid an ongoing investigation into a curfew breach involving a security incident. While Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson remain excluded from the upcoming Test against New Zealand, the ECB is likely to allow their participation in domestic matches, complicating England's squad selection amid injury concerns.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes appeared to set aside speculation about his immediate future by returning to training ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Stokes, 35, was seen bowling and batting at Durham’s Riverside ground on Monday as part of preparation for the County Championship fixture against Derbyshire, signaling his intention to continue playing. This comes amid an investigation into a curfew breach during a night out in Chelsea on Monday, involving Stokes and fellow England player Gus Atkinson.

The incident reportedly involved a confrontation with a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) security staff, linked to Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa, who was said to have struck the official. Following this event, both Stokes and Atkinson have been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming Test at The Oval on Wednesday, reflecting the ongoing inquiry. While they remain suspended from national duty, the ECB has indicated both players are "more than likely" to be permitted to play in their respective domestic matches next week.

Additional concerns for the England side emerged with seamer Ollie Robinson reporting knee soreness after a training session on Friday. Robinson, who recently made a successful return to international cricket with a notable seven-wicket haul at Lord’s, has been sent for a precautionary scan. As a precaution, Sussex’s uncapped fast bowler Henry Crocombe, 24, was drafted into the 16-man squad as cover. Crocombe, who took 21 wickets at an average of 28.6 in first-class matches this season, was recalled to Sussex’s match against Glamorgan following his call-up.

England management is facing the challenge of reshaping the seam bowling attack for the match against New Zealand. Jofra Archer is set to open the bowling, joined by Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker, and Josh Tongue. Meanwhile, Shoaib Bashir is expected to retain his place, while Jordan Cox is considered the frontrunner to replace Stokes in the batting lineup after recent prolific scoring, including a double century for Essex.

Durham coach Ryan Campbell noted that despite Stokes’s involvement in training, no final decision has been confirmed regarding his participation in upcoming matches, emphasizing that the ECB and Stokes will make the choices moving forward.

The national team’s disciplinary matters and injury concerns continue to cast uncertainty over England’s composition as they prepare for the second Test, with selectors balancing form, fitness, and off-field conduct in their decisions.