Stokes, Atkinson move closer to England return after county withdrawals

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have moved a step closer to England return after both players were withdrawn from their County Championship fixtures at the request of the ECB.

Stokes, playing for Durham against Northamptonshire, and Atkinson, playing for Surrey against Glamorgan, featured in the first two days of the latest county round before being released ahead of day three. The third Test against New Zealand begins at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

The pair was made unavailable for selection for the second Test at The Oval as the ECB investigated a breach of team curfew following England's victory at Lord's in the series opener. The board is yet to announce the outcome of that investigation.

England's depleted side suffered a 253-run defeat in the second Test after making five changes to the XI that won at Lord's. The loss levelled the series at 1-1, making the Trent Bridge rubber a decider.

Both players impressed during their brief county appearances. Stokes made 95 for Durham and bowled 25 overs, returning figures of 1 for 80. Atkinson claimed four wickets against Glamorgan.