Ben Stokes: Durham boss Tim Bostock is ‘confused’ by doubts about the England captain’s state of mind

Bostock’s words were reflected in others’ comments about Durham.

A source told BBC Sport that Stokes had been “just like Stucki” in recent days.

Durham has made the county his home throughout his career.

He regained his fitness from previous injuries by running around the athletics track behind the Finchale End, and by completing shuttle runs on the field.

In the warm-ups before the first day against Northamptonshire, he was bowling balls to former Durham captain Scott Borthwick, who was best man at Stokes’ wedding.

Media interest in Stokes was palpable. Many TV camera crews and photographers were aiming their lenses at the all-rounder before the game.

On the field, everything seemed familiar.

Stokes bowled better than his numbers would indicate – 0-53 over his first three overs.

He was dropped in the first over by Ben McKennie standing at leg slip and any idea that Stokes might have lost a spark since the nightclub incident was non-existent here.

At the end of his sixth round, his butt nearly touched the ground as he squatted for a pound.

When former referee James Treadwell – a former player who played Stokes 20 times for England – rejected the decision, the pitch slapped in frustration.

On the field, Stokes would often stand with his arms folded in the middle of the pitch under his blue cap – as he often did for England. He also appeared to offer occasional tactical advice to his Durham teammates – spinner Callum Parkinson, in particular.

Meanwhile, in Cardiff, Atkinson had figures of 2-33 when bad light interrupted play in the evening session.

If Stokes and Atkinson are selected to play for Nottingham, they may have to withdraw from the latter part of the county fixtures, given the Test starts on Thursday.