Stokes and Atkinson return to England squad for third New Zealand Test

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been named in England's squad for the third Test against New Zealand that starts on June 25 at Trent Bridge. The duo had been made unavailable for selection for the second Test following an incident at a London nightclub after England's win in the first Test. It has been confirmed that Stokes will also return as England's captain.

There were indications of the duo's return after they were withdrawn from their respective county's fixtures. Following the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing on Monday, the ECB confirmed in a statement "that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub".

The board added that "Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident," and that it had found evidence that "demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion."

Both players were, however, found to be in breach of "specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket," and were issued a written warning in addition to being made unavailable for selection for the second Test.

"People always have a difference of opinion and see things differently. From my point of view, I have been speaking to Ben every day since we had the incident to try and be supportive," said England's head coach Brendon McCullum to Sky Sports after the second Test.

"You've got to separate the actions from the man, so I was disappointed in the actions and us not meeting the standards which we set for ourselves, but then you support the man, and I've always firmly believed in that, and in Stokes's case, that's no different.

"You had to go through a process, you had to wait for what the regulator came out with. It's an internal disciplinary process, which we needed to go through as well," he added.

"I'm looking forward to next week. It'd be nice to have the opportunity to try and close out a series win against the very good New Zealand side. If we're able to do that, then I think it'd be a mighty achievement, particularly after the last week or so, which has been very difficult on a number of people," he said speaking about the series.

England have also made several other changes to their squad following their defeat in the second Test at The Oval. Debutants James Rew and Sonny Baker have been dropped alongside Henry Crocombe, who was called up as cover for Ollie Robinson. Jamie Smith, who missed the second Test on paternity leave, is expected to return to the XI and assume the gloves.

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