McCullum Clears the Air on Stokes Relationship
England head coach Brendon McCullum has rejected talk of tension with captain Ben Stokes. He said they remain close friends and do not understand where the rumours started.
McCullum explained that he spoke directly with Stokes before the third Test against New Zealand. He told him that their relationship has not changed and asked where the speculation came from. Stokes said he had no idea.
Return After Disciplinary Absence
Stokes missed the second Test during an internal investigation linked to a late night curfew breach after England’s win at Lord’s. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also missed that match.
Both players were present when a member of team security was struck during an incident involving a rugby player at a London nightclub.
The England management cleared both players to return for the deciding match, with Stokes resuming captaincy duties.
Squad Changes for the Decider
England have reshaped the team again for the third Test against New Zealand.
Stokes returns to lead the side. Shoaib Bashir and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith are also back in the lineup.
Young batter Emilio Gay joins the XI, while experienced names such as Joe Root and Harry Brook remain central to the batting order.
The pace attack includes Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, with Gus Atkinson also returning.
Players Left Out
Several players miss out on selection this time. James Rew, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher, and Sonny Baker have been dropped from the squad.
Ollie Robinson impressed earlier in the series but is not selected despite being fit.
England XI for the Third Test
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes captain, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
