Ben Stokes set to return to County cricket

England Test captain Ben Stokes will resume competitive play for Durham in the County Championship against Northamptonshire after being omitted from the second Test versus New Zealand due to a nightclub incident. Both Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson have been cleared for domestic matches, while the England selectors await a decision on their international availability. The incident highlighted the scrutiny on player conduct and the impact on national team selection.