Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson pulled from County duty ahead of England's Third Test

England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their respective County Championship fixtures, strongly indicating that both players are set to return for England's third Test against New Zealand, which begins at Trent Bridge on June 25.

The duo had been made unavailable for the second Test at The Oval while an investigation continued into an alleged breach of England's team curfew following the first Test victory at Lord's. However, both players were cleared to participate in domestic cricket during the ongoing County Championship round.

Stokes represented Durham against Northamptonshire and produced a timely reminder of his class, scoring 95 runs. It was his highest score in any form of cricket since his century against India in the fourth Test last July. Meanwhile, Atkinson turned out for Surrey and impressed with the ball, claiming four wickets in the first innings against Glamorgan.

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Despite being initially named in their county sides, both players were withdrawn before the third day of their matches, further strengthening speculation that they will be recalled for the decisive third Test. Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Stokes is expected to resume captaincy duties at Trent Bridge, with Atkinson also likely to return to the playing XI.

The investigation into the pair's involvement in a late-night outing following England's win at Lord's remains ongoing. Neither the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nor team management have officially confirmed the outcome of the inquiry. An official announcement regarding the squad for the third Test is expected only after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test at The Oval.

England have felt the absence of several key players in the second Test. Along with Stokes and Atkinson, Ollie Robinson was unavailable due to injury, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith missed the match on paternity leave. As a result, England were forced into five changes from the side that won the opening Test and fielded an inexperienced lineup featuring three debutants.

New Zealand have taken full advantage of England's depleted resources and are in a strong position to level the series at 1-1, setting up a potentially thrilling decider at Trent Bridge.