New Delhi, June 21: England’s cricket team has made key changes ahead of the third Test against New Zealand. After winning the first Test at Lord’s, England faced a setback in the second Test at The Oval, where they lost by 253 runs. This defeat leveled the series at 1-1. In response, England has called up Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for the decisive third Test.
The match will take place at Trent Bridge, making it crucial for both teams. Stokes and Atkinson were previously excluded from the second Test due to a nightclub incident that violated team protocols.
This incident also involved a rugby player from the Saracens Academy. Both Stokes and Atkinson were found guilty of breaching specific contractual obligations, which require England players to maintain the highest standards of behavior and act in the best interests of England cricket at all times.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated, “The evidence we have reviewed indicates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate at any point. It was also determined that the players should not be held accountable for violent behavior at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. Both players have received written warnings regarding their conduct.”
Ollie Robinson, who missed the second Test due to knee pain, and Jamie Smith, who was on paternity leave, are also included in the 15-player squad for the third Test. Sony Baker and James Rew have been left out.
The third Test between England and New Zealand is set to begin on June 25.
The England squad for the third Test includes: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tong.
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