England has revealed the playing XI for the third and final Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes returns to the lineup after a recent nightclub incident, with the ECB stating that the curfew guidelines were unclear. Gus Atkinson joins him back in the team.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who missed the second Test for family reasons, will also play in the final match, starting on Thursday, June 25, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Additionally, Shoaib Bashir has been added to the squad, replacing Matthew Fisher.
The return of Stokes is significant for the English team, as they aim for a win in Nottingham to secure the series, currently tied at 1-1.
“What will be will be from a results POV. We’re desperate to win, but at the time what will be will be. How can we hold our nerves during those moments and have absolute clarity to make the right decisions to give ourselves the best chance? If we do that, then we are a good chance of getting the prize that we want,” Stokes said.
England playing XI for third Test vs New Zealand
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
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