"Ben Stokes Withdrawn from Durham Match Amid Nightclub Investigation, Hinting at England Test Comeback"

BEN STOKES and Gus Atkinson have both been pulled from their respective County Championship games ahead of England’s third Test against New Zealand.

The pair were both dropped for the second Test after being after curfew last week.

Ben Stokes (R) and Gus Atkinson (L) have been withdrawn from their county games by England Credit: Alamy They were axed from the second Test vs New Zealand after getting into a scuffle with Totoa AAuvaa at a nightclub Credit: Saracens

They got into a scuffle with star Totoa Auvaa, who ended up .

Stokes and Atkinson were both able to play for their counties after an investigation into the brawl.

Stokes scored 95 runs for Durham against Northampton on Saturday as Atkinson claimed 4-61 for Surrey against Glamorgan.

But now the ECB have withdrawn both players ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

It is not yet known if they will be re-called to the England squad as the investigation into the nightclub is not complete, according to Sky Sports.

It promises to be a thrilling decider after England after New Zealand levelled the series.

England were beaten by 253 runs without Stokes and Atkinson as the Black Caps bounced back from a 115-run thrashing at Lord’s.

It comes after the incident at the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea, which is understood to have been sparked by a disagreement over tables in the VIP area.

The ECB say that the incident was not instigated by the two England cricketers.

They release a statement at the time which read: The England and Wales Cricket Board (the ECB) said: “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,’ read a statement from the governing body.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.

Stokes was replaced as England captain by Joe Root for the second test but could return Credit: PA

“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”

Stokes as he wished the players luck for their second Test, writing on social media: “Go well this week men. Debutants do what you been doing.”

He was replaced as captain by Three Lions veteran , who leapt to Stokes’ defence.

Root said: Root said: “I’ve had a couple of conversations with Ben. We’re close friends and they should stay as privileged conversations between me and him.

“I’m sure he has the respect of everyone in our dressing room. He’s been a phenomenal leader.

“We’ve achieved some wonderful things and won a hell of a lot of Test matches. He’s a talismanic player and a great friend to a number of the guys. There’s a huge amount of respect from everyone.”