\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
And, as part of the investigation, both Stokes and Atkinson have been spoken to this week, with the ECB hoping for a swift resolution.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Throughout the investigation, the ECB has denied that Stokes has been asked to resign.<\/p>\n
And there is now a growing eventuality that he will be back as England captain at Trent Bridge.<\/p>\n
A return in Nottingham would represent at full-circle moment for Stokes.<\/p>\n