Durham chief 'bemused' by doubts around Stokes

Durham chief 'bemused' by doubts around StokesImage source, Getty ImagesImage 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 reporterPublished12 minutes agoDurham chief executive Tim Bostock says he is "bemused" about doubts around England Test captain Ben Stokes' "state of mind" following an incident in a London nightclub.All-rounder Stokes, 35, was left out of England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking the team's midnight curfew.Speaking at a sombre press conference on Monday, England coach Brendon McCullum repeatedly said he was "worried" about Stokes while refusing to back him to return as skipper.Bostock said Stokes, who is playing for Durham against Northamptonshire on Friday, is "absolutely fine"."It is just normal Ben," Bostock told BBC Look North. "I was a little bit bemused by some of the comments about his state of mind and maybe in the first 24 hours when this exploded, I am sure he was thinking, 'What has happened here?'. "He has been absolutely fine. He is very positive and is always very positive."Stokes could return as captain for third Test against NZPublished19 hours agoMcCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backingPublished4 days agoLord Botham criticises Stokes for breaking curfewPublished21 hours agoAn investigation into the nightclub incident, when Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player, remains ongoing.While the England and Wales Cricket Board is hopeful of a swift resolution, no update is expected on Friday. There remains a growing likelihood Stokes will return as England captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge next week."This is a difficult situation," adde...