ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes will captain the third test against New Zealand, returns to England squad

By Sandy Verma On Jun 23, 2026

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have returned to the England Test team. While announcing the squad for the third and decisive Test against New Zealand, ECB has again given the captaincy to Stokes.

ENG vs NZ, Ben Stokes returned to squad: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the squad for the third and final match of the three-match Test series against New Zealand. Before this match to be played in Nottingham from 25th June, all eyes were on whether Ben Stokes would return to the team or not. Now, putting an end to these speculations, the ECB has included Stokes in the team and has also given him the responsibility of captaincy again.

After the win in the first Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson came under investigation for breaking the night curfew and going to a nightclub. After this both the players were kept out of the second test. However, now after the completion of the disciplinary hearing, both the players have returned to the team, which has given a big boost to England before the decisive match.

ENG vs NZ: ECB hearing completed on Stokes and Atkinson

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were accused of violating certain terms of the team contract. The ECB’s disciplinary committee has issued written warnings to both the players after completing the hearing of the case. The board made it clear in its official statement that the players cannot be blamed for the incident of fighting in the nightclub. The investigation revealed that Stokes was not involved in any dispute and did not even witness the incident directly. Atkinson was considered the victim of an unprovoked attack and did not retaliate in any way. On this basis, both the players were given a clean chit and included back in the team.

Brendon McCullum confirms, Ben Stokes will be back for the third Test against New Zealand.pic.twitter.com/q8u0zrdxEe
— Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) June 21, 2026

ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes returns as captain

The return of Ben Stokes is no less than a big relief for England. Under his captaincy, England has achieved many memorable victories by adopting an aggressive style in Test cricket. The team missed his absence in the second test, but now he will once again be seen leading the team in the series decider. Stokes’ experience and leadership abilities can prove to be very important for England, especially if the series is tied.

ENG vs NZ: England’s squad for the third test

England has selected a strong and balanced team for the third Test (ENG vs NZ) against New Zealand. The squad includes Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue. Along with experienced players, young talents have also been given a chance, due to which the team looks balanced in every department.

ENG vs NZ: Series tied at 1-1, Nottingham test will be decisive

The three-match Test series (ENG vs NZ) is currently tied at 1-1. England won the first Test match played at Lord’s by 115 runs. However, New Zealand made a brilliant comeback in the second Test and leveled the series by registering a huge 253-run win at Kennington Oval. Now the third Test to be held in Nottingham will be a do or die match for both the teams. The team that wins this match will capture the series.