England captain Ben Stokes could play the third and final Test against New Zealand. According to British media, the ECB and the selectors are thinking of adding the all-rounder to the squad. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped from the team for the second Test at the Oval after they were found guilty of breaking a curfew following the hosts’ win in the series opener at Lord’s.

There were speculations that Stokes might be sacked as captain, with the player likely to announce retirement after his involvement in the controversy.

The BCCI and other media houses reported that Stokes could rejoin the national squad for the remaining game at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge as the investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the independent Cricket Regulator is on the verge of conclusion.

Stokes has been leading England for the last four years and has done well as a leader. Joe Root was given the captain’s armband for the ongoing Test, with the selectors deciding to ignore vice-captain Harry Brook.

Ben Stokes will return to action on Friday as he has been allowed to play for Durham against Northamptonshire in a Second Division County Championship at Chester-le-Street.

Stokes had wished the England team and the three debutants for the second red-ball game against the Kiwis.

England coach Brendon McCullum is worried and concerned about Stokes after the ECB punished the latter.

Meanwhile, Durham coach Ryan Campbell spoke about Stokes.

“Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over the top.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard, and the rest will take care of itself.

“Ben is a competitor, and he loves to play, and he wants to play.”

England’s legendary all-rounder Ian Botham had said that Stokes might quit cricket if he is removed from Test captaincy.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben decides to walk away after losing the captaincy. I don’t know what would be the outcome,”  Botham told the Overlap podcast’s Stick to Cricket show.

England players were accused of drinking heavily during the Ashes defeat against Australia.

Before the Ashes, England’s white-ball captain Brook was hit by a bouncer at a nightclub in New Zealand.

England took the controversies seriously, and a midnight curfew was imposed on players and support staff members.

“Some players just don’t listen. I don’t understand the reason behind going to a nightclub just after the game,” Botham added.