Stokes is playing for Durham in the County Championship from Friday. Ben Stokes could return as England captain as early as next week for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation for their part in an incident in a London nightclub, when they broke England's midnight curfew. It is understood the process is progressing to a point where a path for the pair to come back is cleared, although an official announcement may not arrive until the conclusion of the ongoing second Test at The Oval.

While all outcomes remain possible, there is a growing likelihood Stokes is back to lead England in Nottingham, with the match starting on Thursday, 25 June. Stokes and Atkinson have been made unavailable for the second Test, pending the investigation.

In celebrating England's victory in the first Test, they stayed out beyond the curfew and were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player. Although they have been prevented from playing for England at The Oval, they remain available to play domestic cricket. All-rounder Stokes is in the Durham squad for their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on Friday (11:00 BST), with Atkinson set to feature for Surrey away to Glamorgan.

Lord Botham criticises Stokes for breaking curfew. England in trouble after dreadful day against NZ. Dropped England captain Stokes to play for Durham.

In a statement released on 8 June, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed Stokes and Atkinson had broken the curfew and are under investigation. In the aftermath, there were fears Stokes would retire, ending a storied England career. Those fears were allayed when he returned to training with Durham last weekend.

And, as part of the investigation, both Stokes and Atkinson have been spoken to this week, with the ECB hoping for a swift resolution. In addressing the media, neither director of cricket Rob Key nor head coach Brendon McCullum have endorsed Stokes' future as captain, adding to speculation that his four-year period in the job could come to an end.

Joe Root is deputising as captain for the second Test against New Zealand and said he would hold the role on a "game-by-game" basis. Throughout the investigation, the ECB has denied that Stokes has been asked to resign. And there is now a growing eventuality that he will be back as England captain at Trent Bridge.

A return in Nottingham would represent a full-circle moment for Stokes. In 2018, Stokes was cleared of charges of affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. After being found not guilty, Stokes played his next Test at Trent Bridge.

Lord Botham criticises Stokes for breaking curfew. Dropped England captain Stokes to play for Durham. 'Travesty' if Stokes doesn't captain England again - Vaughan.