Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been reinstated to England's playing XI for the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley, starting June 25, 2026. The pair were dropped from the second Test after breaking a midnight curfew following a night out in London celebrating England's win in the series opener at Lord's.
In their absence, an England team led by stand-in captain Ollie Pope suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge, with New Zealand leveling the series 1-1. Stokes, the regular captain, returns to lead the side as they seek to regain the advantage in the decisive match.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at Headingley. The visitors made one change, bringing in spinner Ajaz Patel for the injured Matt Henry. England are unchanged from the squad that lost the second Test, with Stokes and Atkinson replacing the players who stood in.
The match is crucial for both sides, with the series tied and the winner taking the three-match contest. Stokes will be looking to make an immediate impact with both bat and ball after his disciplinary absence.
