England have named their playing XI for the third and final Test against New Zealand, with Ben Stokes back in the side after the ECB wrapped up its investigation into the nightclub incident that led to his omission from the previous match. Gus Atkinson also returns, giving England a timely boost ahead of the series decider at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, which begins on Thursday, June 25.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is back in the XI as well after missing the second Test due to family reasons, while Shoaib Bashir comes in as the fourth change, replacing Matthew Fisher. Joe Root, who stood in as captain during Stokes’ absence, will now return to his role as a specialist batter.

Stokes’ comeback is a major lift for England, who head into the final Test with the series locked at 1-1. The hosts won the first Test under Stokes’ leadership before the off-field controversy briefly overshadowed the campaign. New Zealand responded strongly in the second Test at The Oval, where they produced a commanding 253-run victory to level the series and set up a gripping finale in Nottingham.

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Speaking ahead of the decider, Ben Stokes stressed the importance of staying composed in pressure moments.

So good to have you back with us @BenStokes38 ❤️

Here’s our XI for the third and final Test match of the series at Trent Bridge 📋

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 23, 2026

“What will be will be from a results POV. We’re desperate to win, but at the time what will be will be. How can we hold our nerves during those moments and have absolute clarity to make the right decisions to give ourselves the best chance? If we do that, then we are a good chance of getting the prize that we want,” Ben Stokes said.

With both teams now level and the momentum swinging between them, the Trent Bridge Test promises to be a high-stakes finish to what has already been a tense and competitive series. England will be hoping their strongest XI can deliver when it matters most.

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England playing XI for third Test vs New Zealand: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir