Ben Stokes Returns for Decisive Third Test Against New Zealand
England captain reinstated after investigation clears him over nightclub incident.
England have confirmed Ben Stokes will captain the side in the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with the series tied 1-1. Stokes missed the second Test after an incident at a Chelsea nightclub following the Lord's victory, leading to an investigation by the ECB and the Cricket Regulator.
The investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence of a regulatory breach, clearing Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson to return. Head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes will lead the team, dismissing any talk of a rift between them.
Stokes showed form in county cricket while sidelined, scoring 95 for Durham. The third Test XI also includes recalls for Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir as England aim to reclaim the lead in Nottingham.