England XI vs New Zealand for 3rd Test confirmed. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson among the four changes made Cricket News:
NEW DELHI: England have made four changes to their playing XI for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the side. Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir were also recalled, replaced by James Rew, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker.The changes come after England’s disappointing 253-run defeat in the second Test at The Oval, where a drastically changed lineup failed to chase down a target of 463. New Zealand’s victory leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all finale.Stokes and Atkinson missed the second Test after breaking the team’s midnight curfew following England’s win in the opening Test. The pair were present at the time of an incident involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player, which led to an investigation.However, a disciplinary hearing later cleared both players of any violent conduct. The ECB said that Stokes was not involved in the dispute, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate. Both players received written warnings for violating team management rules.Ahead of the Trent Bridge Test, England coach Brendon McCullum dismissed speculation that his relationship with Stokes had become strained following the controversy.“We talked about that this morning,” McCullum said. “I said, ‘do you know where this is coming from, the conversations about our relationship for the last six months?’ He said ‘no, I have no idea what I know.'”McCullum emphasized that the two remain close and continue to work effectively together. “There is [are] There will be times when we talk about things and we debate about things. We always end up making decisions together… Ben and I are tight.”The coach also reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with representing England, saying that high standards on and off the field remain an important part of the team’s culture.
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