Ben Stokes set to return to action, named in 15-man Durham squad

Ben Stokes, who wasn't made available for selection for the Oval Test amidst an ongoing investigation into a London nightclub incident, is all set to return to action. The England all-rounder has been named in Durham's squad for their home County Championship fixture against Northamptonshire in Chester-le-Street beginning Friday (June 19).

Stokes is set to make his third appearance for Durham this season, with the game to run in parallel with the ongoing Oval Test against New Zealand. Both Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson were not considered for selection for the second Test of the series after breaching England's midnight curfew following their win over New Zealand at Lord's.

The duo were embroiled in an incident at a nightclub – which also involved Saracens Rugby Club player Totoa Auvaa, who reportedly threw a punch that injured the ECB security officer accompanying Stokes and Atkinson.

Stokes' inclusion in Durham's squad comes amid growing speculations over his future as Test captain and player following the nightclub incident, with Director of Cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum remaining non-committal about his future. Joe Root stood in for him in the Oval Test.

Durham, captained by Alex Lees, are currently on top of the table in Division Two of the County Championship with 126 points from seven games and are yet to lose a match this season.