Spectre of Stokes hangs over England at The Oval

Ben Stokes has won 24 of his 42 Tests since he was appointed Test captain in April 2022 [Getty Images]Only 166 overs.The Test summer has so far comprised 166 overs of cricket. Not enough to fill two complete days.

It has also included Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being made unavailable for a Test, a security guard being punched and Ollie Robinson's international comeback halted by an injury.Kane Williamson, a bona fide all-time great, has retired and England have chosen four debutants in two Tests. Shoaib Bashir was picked, didn't bowl, and has been left out.

Devon Conway has flown to New Zealand and back for the birth of his child and will play in the second Test. Jamie Smith's second baby has arrived and he will not. Criticism of the pitch from England's first-Test win at Lord's feels a long time ago.

English cricket is never knowingly without a crisis. Dirt in the pocket, Zimbabwe and the Fredalo. Kevin Pietersen being sacked as captain, Kevin Pietersen's text messages and Kevin Pietersen being sacked as a player.

Bristol, Wellington and Noosa.This latest one surrounding Stokes rumbles on. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deny he has been asked to resign as captain, and suggestions the top brass want to force him out are said to be incorrect.

Brendon McCullum was sombre in describing his "worry and concern" for Stokes, but Durham coach Ryan Campbell said the all-rounder is in "good spirits".Root to captain game-by-game but is 'envious' of Stokes-McCullum dynamicStokes in good spirits - Durham boss CampbellMcCullum worried for Stokes and tight-lipped over captaincyYou will have your own views on the rights and wrongs of a grown man being out past the time his employers said he should have been in bed. Maybe that is no longer the main issue preventing Stokes' return.

A Test match will once again break out on Wednesday morning. England will win the series if they beat New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval. They have not won a series for 18 months.

While much