Cricket-Stokes returns to captaincy for England's third test, says ECB
England Squad Updates and Disciplinary Proceedings
Stokes and Atkinson Return After Suspension
June 21 (Reuters) - Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will return for England’s third test against New Zealand in Nottingham following the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday.
The pair were suspended from the second test after a curfew breach at a London nightclub and were reportedly present when a member of England's security staff was involved in an incident with a Saracens rugby player following England’s first-test win.
Impact of Suspension on the Series
Stokes missed England's second match as New Zealand levelled the series with a 253-run victory at The Oval on Sunday.
Coach's Statement and Stokes' Preparation
Earlier, head coach Brendon McCullum had said England were expecting Stokes to return for the third test after the 35-year-old withdrew from Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the ECB’s request.
ECB Statement on Disciplinary Hearing
"Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June," the board said in a statement.
"Stokes and Atkinson were found to have breached 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."
Outcome of the Hearing
The ECB said both players had received written warnings but were not blamed for the violence, noting that Stokes was not present during the violent conduct and that Atkinson was subjected to unprovoked attacks but did not retaliate.
Team Performance and Player Updates
Joe Root's Captaincy and Achievements
Joe Root has deputised as captain in Stokes' absence and reached the milestone of 14,000 test runs, becoming only the second player to do so after India great Sachin Tendulkar.
Stokes and Atkinson's Recent Performances
Stokes' County Championship Performance
Stokes impressed for Durham, scoring 95 off 118 balls against Northamptonshire.
Atkinson's County Championship Performance
The BBC reported on Sunday that Atkinson has also been withdrawn from his County Championship fixture. He had taken four wickets for his county side Surrey against Glamorgan.
Upcoming Test Match Details
The third test match between England and New Zealand begins on June 25 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
England Men’s Third Test Squad
England Men’s third test squad:Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru, further reporting by Paras J.haji; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Nia Williams)
