‘Our doors are always open’ - Durham coach Ryan Campbell backs Ben Stokes amid England uncertainty

England Test captain Ben Stokes could be set for a return to county cricket after being left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. The all-rounder is expected to be available for Durham’s upcoming County Championship fixture against Northamptonshire, with Durham head coach Ryan Campbell making it clear that the county would welcome him back with open arms.

Stokes’ omission from England’s squad comes amid an ongoing investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The 35-year-old, along with fellow England cricketer Gus Atkinson, is being investigated after reportedly breaching a team curfew following England’s victory over New Zealand in the opening Test at Lord’s.

With England preparing for the second Test at The Oval, Stokes has returned to training with Durham. Campbell revealed that the England skipper has remained positive despite the scrutiny surrounding him and continues to work hard behind the scenes.

“Our doors are always open for any of our Durham boys. If Ben happens to walk through it, I will definitely be waiting there with arms open wide," Campbell told BBC Radio Newcastle.

The Durham coach also came to Stokes’ defence, suggesting that some of the criticism directed at the England captain has been excessive. While acknowledging that the veteran all-rounder had made an error in judgment, Campbell believes the reaction has gone beyond what was necessary.

“Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over,” Campbell added.

“I’m a bit old school, I like a beer after a game of cricket if you’ve got 10 days off but I’m not the coach, I don’t run that system,” he continued.

Stokes had already featured in two County Championship matches for Durham before England’s home series against New Zealand. Campbell had previously indicated there was a strong possibility of the all-rounder turning out for the county side again, and his participation against Northamptonshire now appears increasingly likely.

If he does play for Durham, it may be his final red-ball outing before England’s Test series against Pakistan in August. As speculation continues over Stokes’ future as England’s Test captain, Durham remain firmly in his corner, with Campbell publicly backing one of the county’s most celebrated cricketers during a challenging period.