ENGLAND Test captain Ben Stokes is set to return to competitive action today after being named in the Durham squad to face Northamptonshire.

Stokes was not considered for selection for the ongoing second Test against New Zealand after breaching a team curfew following the series opener at Lord’s. He and fast bowler Gus Atkinson remain under investigation over an incident which took place at a London nightspot in the early hours, with the matter also referred to the independent Cricket Regulator.

The 35-year-old all-rounder was quick to rejoin his clubmates in training, signalling his intention to play in the Division Two County Championship clash at Chester-le-Street.

The England and Wales Cricket Board agreed to make him available, removing the last potential hurdle to his involvement in the four-day clash, and he was duly included in a 15-strong group released yesterday.

Stokes has made only one public intervention since the episode blew up 11 days ago, wishing England and their three debutants well at the Oval via a brief Instagram message.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to raise concerns over his wellbeing in a pre-Test press conference, where he repeatedly voiced his “worry” and “concern” for the absent skipper. But Durham’s coach Ryan Campbell offered a different perspective after working alongside Stokes.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over [the top].

“From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself. Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play.”

Stokes made two appearances earlier this season for Durham, scoring 59 runs in two innings and claiming five wickets, but has not featured on home soil since 2024.

It is not clear whether he will be considered for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge starting next Wednesday, with the England and Wales Cricket Board yet to clarify his status.