Defending champions Nottinghamshire replaced opponents Essex at the top of Rothesay County Championship Division One after winning by an innings and 52 runs at Chelmsford.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from the remainder of their respective County Championship matches in a clear indication that they will return to the England team for the final Test against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire in a clear indication that he will return to England's Test team.

…against NZImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Stokes is playing for Durham in the County Championship from FridayByStephan ShemiltCricket Correspondent at The OvalPublished18 June 2026Ben Stokes could return as England captain as early as next week for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.Stokes and…

…caption, Ben Stokes is playing for Durham against Northamptonshire, his third County Championship match of the seasonByMatthew Henry, BBC Sport journalist at Chester-le-Street and Adam Samuel, BBC Look North sports reporterPublished19 June 2026Durham chief executive Tim Bostock says he is "bemused" about doubts around…