Stokes, Atkinson withdrawn from county matches as England returns loom

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from the remainder of their respective County Championship matches in a clear indication that they will return to the England fold for the final Test against New Zealand. The ECB confirmed that both players had been withdrawn from their respective domestic matches ahead of the third day's play.

However, it is understood that the investigation into the nightclub incident involving both players is not yet complete.

Ben Stokes stars for Durham as England toil in second Test

Got Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on Sky Sports app

Not got Sky? Get instant…