Ben Stokes (Source: AFP)
England have received major news regarding captain Ben Stokes ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand. It is important to note that Ben Stokes missed the second Test after breaching team rules following England's victory in the series opener at Lord's.
With the three-match series tied at 1-1, his return comes at a crucial time for the hosts.
England won the first Test by 115 runs, but New Zealand responded strongly in the second match at The Oval. The visitors secured a dominant 253-run victory to level the series.
Fast bowler Matt Henry starred for New Zealand, taking 11 wickets in the match and producing one of the finest bowling performances by a Kiwi against England in Test cricket.
Why Were Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson Dropped From ENG vs NZ 2nd Test?
The controversy began after England's win in the first Test at Lord's. According to reports, Ben Stokes and fellow England pacer Gus Atkinson went out to celebrate the victory and remained out beyond the ECB's midnight curfew.
During the night, an altercation reportedly took place in a VIP area involving Totoa Auvaa, a Saracens academy rugby player.
Also Read: Ben Stokes Opts Out Of Playing In Middle Of Match
Reports claimed that a punch thrown during the incident missed Atkinson and instead struck an ECB security staff member, who later needed medical treatment.
According to the reports, neither Stokes nor Atkinson started the confrontation. However, both were left out of England’s squad for the second Test as a disciplinary measure following the curfew breach.
In Ben Stokes' absence, Joe Root was appointed as the captain.
Brendon McCullum Confirms Ben Stokes' Return For ENG vs NZ 3rd Test
After New Zealand's victory at The Oval, Brendon McCullum, speaking to the reporters, confirmed that Stokes would return to lead England in the series decider at Trent Bridge.
"Firstly Ben will be back, we'll name the squad this afternoon. Ben will be back and be captain. Everyone is excited about that."
"I think everyone is excited about that, especially after seeing him hit some form for Durham," former New Zealand captain McCullum added.
"I've been speaking to Ben every single day since we had the incident and my assessment was that I was worried about him. To see him go out there and play some cricket and look like he was enjoying himself is really positive."
It is vital to note that Stokes remained active during his absence from the England side and represented Durham in the County Championship.
The all-rounder scored an impressive 95 off 118 balls against Northamptonshire. With the ball, he bowled 25 overs and took one wicket.
However, there has been no update on Gus Atkinson's return, although the board has pulled out both the players from the County.
When Will ENG vs NZ 3rd Test Start?
With the series level at 1-1, the third Test match between England and New Zealand will be an interesting one. The third Test will start on June 25 at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Also Read: From Praful Hinge To Now Sri Lanka A- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Serves Revenge Cold
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