ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes Likely To Return As England Captain For Third Test Against New Zealand

Ben Stokes will likely to be included in the England squad to lead the side in the third and final Test against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place from June 25 to 29 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

The Telegraph reported that Stokes is likely to be recalled for the series decider after missing the ongoing second Test at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was also left out of the squad, could return as well.

Both Stokes and Atkinson were dropped after breaching the team’s curfew rules. They were interviewed by the Cricket Regulator earlier this week, and the findings of England’s internal investigation are expected to be announced before the end of the second Test.

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While England have not officially confirmed Stokes’ return, reports suggest that the team’s stance has softened considerably over the past few days after initially taking a strict view of the incident.

In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root is captaining England in the second Test. However, if Stokes is included in the squad for the third Test, he is expected to take over the captaincy once again.

Stokes is currently England’s joint-highest wicket-taker among Test captains, highlighting his importance to the side both as a leader and an all-rounder.