England will field Ben Stokes as captain for the series‑deciding third Test at Trent Bridge, with fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson also back in the squad. Both missed the Oval clash after a late‑night incident that saw Atkinson allegedly punched and Stokes break a team curfew. The ECB cleared them of violent conduct, allowing their return, and they featured in county matches for Durham and Surrey earlier this week.

At the Oval, New Zealand routed England by 253-run defeat, erasing the 115‑run win at Lord’s and leveling the series. England’s bowling suffered without Stokes, Atkinson and injured Ollie Robinson, prompting a youthful attack that struggled to contain Matt Henry’s 11‑wicket haul. Joe Root had stood in as captain, but the loss amplified scrutiny of the makeshift attack.

With Stokes and Atkinson reinstated, England restores its all‑round balance and hopes to replicate the 95‑run innings Stokes posted for Durham and the four‑wicket spell Atkinson delivered for Surrey. The selection also sees the return of Robinson if fit, while debutants Rew and Baker remain omitted and spinner Shoaib Bashir stays on the sidelines. England now fields a full‑strength side for the decisive match.