Ben Stokes withdrawn from Durham match amid England Test return preparations
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 9:38 AM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remaining County Championship match for Durham against Northamptonshire at the request of the ECB. The decision signals his expected return to England's Test team. Following an investigation related to a nightclub incident, both Stokes and Gus Atkinson were previously excluded from the second Test against New Zealand. Stokes scored 95 runs in the match before his withdrawal. Preparation for a crucial Test against New Zealand is set to commence soon, with the next match starting on Thursday.
- •Stokes scored 95 runs for Durham before withdrawal.
- •Withdrawn at the ECB's request ahead of England's Test match.
- •Gus Atkinson also reportedly withdrawn from his County match.
- •Both players were excluded from the second Test against New Zealand.
- •Preparations for England's next Test begin on Tuesday.
- 9:19 AMThe Guardian Sport — Stokes withdrawn from Durham duty, Essex v Notts and more: county cricket day three – live
"Durham: Stokes withdrawn ‘at request of ECB’ Email Tanya with your thoughts on the day’s action Tanya will be with you shortly, but some breaking news to bring you early on: Ben Stokes will not play any further part in Durham’s match against Northamptonshire, having been “withdrawn at the request of the ECB”. “Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the request of the ECB,” a statement said. “Colin Ackermann will replace Stokes in the Durham 11.” Continue reading...
"Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire in a clear indication that he will return to England's Test team.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 21, 2026, 9:19 AMStokes withdrawn from Durham duty, Essex v Notts and more: county cricket day three – live
Durham: Stokes withdrawn ‘at request of ECB’ Email Tanya with your thoughts on the day’s action Tanya will be with you shortly, but some breaking news to bring you early on: Ben Stokes will not play any further part in Durham’s match against Northamptonshire, having been “withdrawn at the request of the ECB”. “Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the request of the ECB,” a statement said. “Colin Ackermann will replace Stokes in the Durham 11.” Continue reading...
- Sky Sports—Stokes withdrawn from Durham match as England return looms
Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire in a clear indication that he will return to England's Test team.
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