The Durham all-rounder, 27, was acquitted of affray earlier this week and will now replace in-form Surrey youngster in the team, according to skipper Joe Root.
On Thursday, head coach Trevor Bayliss revealed Stokes has been recalled to the England for his own welfare.
However, Stokes' recall meant one of Curran and Chris Woakes – both of whom have played fantastically of late – would need to make way.
With Woakes bowling with great control and scoring a maiden Test century at Lord's he keeps hold of his place.
That is in spite of Curran's solid performances with the bat – and the diversity he brings to the bowling attack, being a left-armer.
'This marks end of 11-month ordeal' says Ben Stokes
And he recalled how the 11-month ordeal cost him the England vice-captaincy and his place on an Ashes tour — as well as his spot in a number of other matches for his country.
All-rounder Stokes, 27, had faced jail after knocking out two men during a street brawl following a booze- fuelled night out with team-mate Alex Hales, 29, in Bristol last September.
But after a six-day trial, jurors took just 2½ hours to clear him of the charge.
In a statement read outside Bristol crown court, his solicitor Paul Lunt said The Sun’s footage of the street fight showed “jurors exactly what happened”.
He added: “Today’s verdict represents the end of an 11-month ordeal for Ben during which time he has had to maintain his silence.
“The jury’s decision fairly reflects the truth of what happened that night.
“Ben had been out with team-mates celebrating an England win. He was minding his own business when he came across two men who were subject to what Ben identified as serious homophobic abuse.
“It was only when others came under threat that Ben became physically engaged.
“The steps that he took were solely aimed at ensuring the safety of himself and the others present.
“In addition to the extreme stress placed on Ben and his family by the trial, his intervention that night has already cost Ben the England vice-captaincy, his place on an Ashes tour and his place on a number of other England matches.
“The past 11 months have served to highlight just how highly he values his position as an England representative. Now the trial is over, he’s keen to get back to cricket being his sole focus.”
As the jury delivered its verdict Stokes closed his eyes, rocked forward and pressed his head against the dock’s glass screen.
The court heard how the 6ft 2in star stepped in to defend gay pals Kai Barry and William O’Connor outside a Bristol club.
He hit two other men but said it was self defence.
Stokes was yesterday recalled to the England squad and could regain his place in the team for Saturday’s third Test at Trent Bridge.
In court he shook the hand of co-accused Ryan Ali, who was also cleared.
Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement they had carried out “a thorough independent investigation” into the events.
They added: “The jury has concluded the actions of the defendants did not amount to affray and we respect this decision.”
Despite his recall, Bayliss added he would like to see Stokes make a public apology following an 11-month ordeal for his Bristol brawl.
When asked if he thinks Stokes should apologise, Bayliss said: "Certainly.
"I think it was important to actually apologise to the boys in the team, management of the team and management at the ECB, who had to go through a lot of extra activities to work our way through it."
Earlier this week, Stokes hit back after he was cleared over his boozy brawl.
A statement read out by his lawyer said: "[Ben] was minding his own business when two men were subjected to serious homophobic abuse.
"Only when they came under attack did Ben become involved. His actions were solely aimed at ensuring the safety of those present.
"His intervention that night has already cost Ben his England vice captaincy and place on an Ashes tour.
"Ben is now keen to get back to cricket being his sole focus."
England XI for Third Test (likely): Cook, Jennings, Root (capt), Pope, Bairstow (wkt), Stokes, Buttler, Woakes, Rashid, Broad, Anderson.
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