Stokes and Atkinson withdrawn from County Championship games

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from their County Championship fixtures, indicating that they would be available to play for England in the third Test against New Zealand. Captain Stokes and pace bowler Atkinson had been made unavailable for the second Test, which started on Wednesday, pending an investigation into an incident in a London nightclub. However, both players were permitted to participate in domestic cricket, with Stokes playing for Durham and Atkinson for Surrey during the first two days of matches that began on Friday. They were withdrawn before day three, meaning Stokes would play no further part in Durham's match at home to Northamptonshire, and Atkinson departed from Surrey's game against Glamorgan. Further updates are expected.