Stokes & Atkinson 'blameless for violent conduct'

The decision on Stokes and Atkinson brings an element of closure to an extraordinary period, as English cricket has had to deal with yet another off-field controversy.

Without Stokes and Atkinson, an inexperienced England team showing five changes to the one that won the first Test was soundly beaten in the second.

It means Stokes will be back for a crucial decider at Trent Bridge, with England desperate for a series win to alleviate pressure that has grown over the dismal Ashes winter and this latest chaotic episode.

And while Stokes' return as a leader and all-rounder is vital for his team, there will be renewed scrutiny on his relationship with the rest of the England hierarchy, in particular head coach Brendon McCullum.

All of Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key denied the captain and coach were at odds during the Ashes, when England were hammered 4-1.

Speaking on Sunday, after the loss at The Oval, McCullum said he is ready to work with Stokes again.

"We've worked together intimately for four years," said McCullum. "We've achieved some cool things and let ourselves down in other things.

"Our motivation, belief and ambition for this side has not wavered. We have robust conversations all the way through and I think that is to be expected when you're in positions of leadership. There is a mutual respect to how we operate with those.

"I anticipate we'll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I'm sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team."

This was the latest in a number of off-field controversies that have dogged England since the winter. After the Ashes, the midnight curfew was introduced.

However, speaking on 11 June, Key revealed Atkinson did not know the curfew was in place in the aftermath of the first Test.

And McCullum said England will take steps to remove any "ambiguity".

"We've sat here and talked about the curfew, talked about standards, talked about many things we want to be known for as a cricket team.

"When you represent your country you have certain standards you need to live up to and you're not just representing yourself, you're representing your family, the fans, the country. And you're being paid to do it.

"You've got to have certain standards you need to adhere to. To suggest that perhaps whilst there may not have been a hard blueprint, everyone knew what was going on."