Ben Stokes returned to Durham training Saturday after a nightclub incident that has cost him a spot in England's second Test at The Oval. The 35‑year‑old broke the team curfew with pace bowler Gus Atkinson, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to bar both from international duty while an investigation proceeds.

Stokes joined the second day of Durham's County Championship clash with Derbyshire, bowling in the middle before batting in nets with coach Dale Benkenstein. County teammate Emilio Gay also trained. The ECB confirmed the breach, noting the investigation would determine any sanctions before the third Test at Trent Bridge.

Both players remain eligible for domestic fixtures, meaning Stokes could feature in Durham's upcoming match against Northants, while Atkinson heads to Surrey's game against Glamorgan. Their return to county action signals the ECB will not rush a decision on Stokes' future with England, keeping the captaincy question open.

With the investigation still pending, England's director of cricket Rob Key said he sees no reason to exclude Stokes from future squads, but confirmed no guarantees on a return to the captaincy. The outcome will shape England's Test lineup and the leadership structure heading into the series at Trent Bridge.