England name XI with Stokes returning for NZ Test decider

England has announced its playing XI for the decisive third Test against New Zealand, with captain Ben Stokes returning to lead the side after missing the previous match. The series finale begins on Thursday, June 25, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, with the series tied at 1-1.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are back in the lineup after being unavailable for the second Test. Their absence followed an incident at a London nightclub after England's victory in the series opener at Lord's, which prompted an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board into an alleged curfew breach. The ECB has stated the investigation remains ongoing but indicated no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith also returns after missing the second Test for personal reasons, and spinner Shoaib Bashir has been added to the squad. Joe Root, who captained the side in Stokes's absence, reverts to his role as a specialist batter.

The team changes come after a heavy 253-run defeat at The Oval, which leveled the series. England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, acknowledged the challenge posed by predicted extreme heat on the first two days of the...