Stokes and Atkinson Return for Third Test Against New Zealand
England captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson rejoin the squad after being cleared following a nightclub incident.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the squad for the third Test against New Zealand, with Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson returning to the side. Both players were omitted from the second Test after an altercation at a London nightclub, but investigations have cleared them of wrongdoing.
The incident occurred after the first Test victory at Lord's, when Stokes and Atkinson visited a nightclub and were involved in a fight with a Saracens rugby player. An ECB security guard was injured, leading to a probe that sidelined the duo for the second Test. However, evidence reviewed by the board concluded that neither Stokes nor Atkinson initiated the violence. Stokes was not involved in the altercation, and Atkinson was deemed a victim rather than a perpetrator.
England lost the second Test under Joe Root's captaincy, setting up a series decider starting June 25. Head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes would return as captain for the final match, reinforcing the squad's strength as they aim to win the series.