The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on June 21, 2026, unveiled the England squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand. And interestingly have named captain Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson in the squad.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were dropped from the recent second Test that was played at the Oval, which New Zealand won by 253 runs, thanks to 11 wickets in the match by Matt Henry.

Stokes and Atkinson were dropped as they were under investigation into their reported altercation in a nightclub after the first Test found the pair ‘breached specific contractual obligations’, and have been ‘given a written warning as to their conduct.’

While celebrating the victory at Lord's, Stokes and Atkinson reportedly got into a fight with Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old rugby player from Saracens.  

According to reports, Auvaa punched Atkinson, but instead struck and hurt an ECB security worker. The ECB's midnight curfew regulations, which were implemented following multiple alcohol-related incidents in 2025, appear to have been broken by both cricket players.

According to some sources, Stokes and the ECB were thinking about firing the all-rounder from Test captaincy as a result of the incident.

However, the ECB stated in an official statement that the warning and their suspension from the second Test would be adequate.

“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. In addition to not being considered for selection for the second Rothesay Test, they have both been given a written warning as to their conduct,” ECB said in a statement.

Atkinson was "the victim of unprovoked attacks," and Stokes was "not involved," according to the ECB, which absolved both players of any "violent conduct."

“It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion,” the ECB added.

Jamie Smith returns to the squad after missing the second Test, and hence James Rew misses out. With Stokes and Atkinson coming back into the squad, Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue also miss out. Jordan Cox, who made his debut in place of Ben Stokes, retains his spot over Rew.

England’s squad for the third Test:

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, and Jamie Smith (WK)