England have remembered ben stokes For the final eleven for the third and final Test against new zealandThe all-rounder is set to resume captaincy duties at Trent Bridge, Nottingham from June 25. The hosts confirmed their lineup with Stokes and the fast bowler ahead of the series decider. Gus Atkinson Both are returning after missing the second Test due to disciplinary action.
With the three-match series tied at 1-1, England will be hoping that the return of their captain can provide the needed boost to clinch another home series win.
Ben Stokes back in command after nightclub controversy
Stokes was not available for the second Test after being given a written warning by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The punishment followed an investigation into an incident involving Stokes and Atkinson in a London nightclub shortly after England’s victory in the opening Test.
Although the ECB concluded that neither player was responsible for the violence that occurred, both were found to be in breach of contractual obligations and were subsequently dropped from the squad for the match at The Oval.
In Stokes’ absence, former captain Joe Root stepped in as captain. However, England struggled badly and suffered a crushing 253-run defeat, allowing New Zealand to level the series and set up a winner-takes-all final in Nottingham. Stokes’ return is therefore a significant boost for England, not only because of his leadership qualities but also because of the energy and belief he brings to the team.
Many changes made in England’s playing eleven
England has made many changes in the team that lost the second test. With the return of Stokes and Atkinson, the wicketkeeper-batsman jamie smith Has replaced James Reeve behind the stumps.
spinner Shoaib Bashir He has also been recalled, returning in place of Sonny Baker. During this time, Jordan Cox And Matthew Fisher Has missed selection for the final test.
England’s playing XI for the third test: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tong, Shoaib Bashir.
The inclusion of Archer, Atkinson and Tongue gives England a pace attack, while Bashir provides a specialist spin option for the expected conditions to assist the bowlers as the match progresses.
Also read: Stuart Broad reveals why he is excited to see Vaibhav Suryavanshi in England
Series decider gives Stokes a chance for redemption
While Stokes’ return has strengthened England on paper, the captain himself will be keen to improve on his individual performance from the opening Test at Lord’s. Despite England winning that contest by 115 runs, Stokes faced a difficult performance. The left-handed all-rounder scored only 12 and 0 with the bat and had limited impact with the ball, bowling seven overs in the entire match, taking only one wicket.
As a result, the Nottingham Test presents a crucial opportunity for him to silence his critics and remind them of his value as one of the game’s premier all-rounders. Apart from his personal form, Stokes will also be keen to move on from the off-field controversy which led to him serving a temporary suspension. With the series at stake and domestic pride at stake, England will be hoping to lead from the front once again.
Also read: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson return to England squad for third Test against New Zealand
