England vs New Zealand: Return of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson confirmed as Ollie Robinson sits out of third Test

Ollie Robinson was left out of England’s squad for the crucial third Test against New Zealand despite being available for selection.

Robinson took 7-77 in his first England appearance at Lord’s since 2024, including a stunning triple wicket in his first over, but missed the second Test against New Zealand with knee pain.

The seamer was included in England’s provisional 15-man squad for the third Test after recovering from injury but was left out of the playing squad, while Jofra Archer and Josh Tong retained their places after the second Test.

Elsewhere, England captain Stokes and fast bowler Atkinson are expected to return to the squad after being suspended for one match during an ECB investigation into a nightclub incident following the team’s curfew breach.

Both players have since been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Cricket Regulatory Authority.

Wicket-keeper Jamie Smith returns to the team from paternity leave in place of debutant James Ryu, while England opted to bring back Atkinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir in place of Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher despite the latter’s impressive half-ton in the second Test.

Bashir was preferred to all-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who was included in the provisional squad and scored 128 with two wickets in Leicestershire’s County Championship win over Yorkshire on Sunday.

Jordan Cox makes way for Stokes, who will return at number 7 to make his Test debut at The Oval.

England XI for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand:

Ben Duckett
Emilio Gay
Jacob Bethell
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
Ben Stokes (captain)
Gus Atkinson
Jofra Archer
Josh Tang
Shoaib Bashir

England – New Zealand: results and schedule

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Watch the third Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge live on Thursday at 10am (first ball at 11am) on Channel S.Main event of ky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports. Get instant access now.