Ben Stokes' comeback hopes as England captain rise ahead of third Test as nightclub probe continues: Report

Ben Stokes is expected to be back as England captain for the third Test match against New Zealand, with the England Cricket Board (ECB) hopeful that the all-rounder can make a swift return to the team's red-ball unit.

The England Test skipper is currently under investigation alongside pacer Gus Atkinson for breaking the midnight curfew and going to a nightclub, where an incident took place, leading to an ECB security liaison requiring medical aid.

The Board reported the incident to the Cricket Regulator, an independent body "responsible for monitoring compliance with the game’s regulations, enforcement of adherence", who have launched a probe into the matter.

ECB 'optimistic' over Ben Stokes' situation

According to The Guardian, the mood behind the scenes is said to be "more optimistic." The ECB is awaiting a report from the cricket regulator, whose preliminary findings are due in the next few days, which will help the board map out its next steps.

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The ECB is also conducting a separate investigation on the Stokes-Atkinson nightclub matter and is keen to resolve it quickly.

The report further stated that although Stokes must work to regain the trust of the players and management, the prevailing sentiment is that they want him back.

England head coach Brendon McCullum and team managing director Rob Key remain non-committal on whether they want Stokes back in the team. But during a press conference at the Oval on Monday, McCullum stressed his concern for Stokes’s well-being.

Additionally, it is understood that Stokes intends to continue playing after reports surfaced that he was contemplating retirement following the nightclub fiasco.

Stokes named in County Championship squad for Durham

Stokes has been named in Durham's squad for a County Championship match after he was unavailable for selection for the Oval Test amid the probe.

The English all-rounder is expected to be a part of the squad against Northamptonshire in Chester-le-Street, with the match taking place on Friday, June 19.

Meanwhile, England's third Test against New Zealand will take place at Trent Bridge on Thursday, June 25, and it is yet to be seen whether Stokes or Atkinson will return to the side.