Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson withdrawn from county matches ‘at request of ECB’

<ul><li><p>England captain Stokes stood down from Durham game</p></li><li><p>Decision hints at third Test recall for both players</p></li></ul><p>Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham and Surrey’s ongoing County Championship matches at the request of the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB].</p><p>“Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the request of the ECB,” a club statement on X said. “Colin Ackermann will replace Stokes in the Durham 11.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/21/cricket-ben-stokes-gus-atkinson-withdrawn-county-matches-ecb-england">Continue reading...</a>