The pair was allowed to play for their counties while investigations from The Cricket Regulator and the ECB were ongoing, with both findings expected for Monday. The ECB is keen to stress their investigation – separate to The Cricket Regulator – is not complete, and Stokes and Atkinson will only be eligible for the third Test if they are free to play.
It emerged at the start of the second Test that Stokes’ return was likely, and as captain, relieving Joe Root, who has acted as interim in a tough week on and off the field. A squad for the third Test will come on Monday, with England training at Trent Bridge from Tuesday ahead of the Thursday start.
England had made five changes for the second Test, with Jamie Smith (paternity leave) and Ollie Robinson (right knee issue). With Smith set to return as wicketkeeper, and Robinson seemingly back at 100 per cent on the practice wickets during the second Test, the hosts could well make five changes again for what is likely to be a decider at Trent Bridge.
