Ben Stokes fell just five runs short of a century on his return to Durham after he was dropped by England, who are nearing defeat in their second Test against New Zealand.
The England captain hammered 95 off 118 balls against Northants in the County Championship before eventually being dismissed immediately after the tea interval when he was bowled by Harry Conway.
Stokes, 35, was returning to action after he had been suspended by England for breaking a midnight curfew following a first Test win over New Zealand, along with team-mate Gus Atkinson.
Stokes' knock allowed Durham to recover from 30-3, included 18 fours and happened while England slipped towards at The Oval in his absence.
Coach Brendon McCullum said he was "slightly bewildered" after hearing the news of the incident, involving a Saracens rugby player, before adding he was .
There were suggestions Stokes could resign as captain or even retire from international cricket, but it is likely he will return to lead England in the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, which starts on Thursday.
