Stokes set to play for Durham as England investigation continues

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).

Durham will host Stokes for the third time this season, and the match will take place simultaneously 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.

After the incident at the nightclub, there have been growing rumors about Stokes' future as a Test captain and player. Director of Cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum have not said anything about Stokes' 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.