Ben Stokes returns after controversy as England announce playing 11 for ENG vs NZ 2026 3rd Test
England make four changes and restore Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson as they seek to level the series in the final Test.
- England made four changes to their playing XI for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting Thursday, as the team looks to clinch the series.
- With the series tied 1-1 following New Zealand's 253-run win at The Oval, captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson return to the XI after their absence following a Chelsea nightclub incident.
- Returning to the XI, Shoaib Bashir joins wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who is back after missing the previous match for the birth of his second child, completing the quartet of changes.
- Ollie Robinson was left out of the 15-man squad despite his recovery from a knee injury, while James Rew was omitted after his difficult debut at The Oval.
- "What will be will be," captain Joe Root said, as England hopes the return of key players provides the boost needed to win the three-game affair, per ESPNcricinfo.
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17 Articles
England name playing XI for third Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes makes much awaited return
The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) have come forward and announced their playing XI for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand. It is worth noting that the series is at a standstill currently, with England having won the first Test and New Zealand winning the second. With the series sitting at 1-1, both sides will hope for a good performance in the third Test as they are looking to clinch the three-game affair. Furthermore, with the…
Stokes, Atkinson back for series-decider against New Zealand as England make four changes for Final Test
England have made four changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday, with captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the side following their absence after the incident at a Chelsea nightclub a fortnight ago.
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