Stokes and Atkinson recalled for England's series decider

Ben Stokes will return to captain England in the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with bowler Gus Atkinson also recalled after both players missed the second Test following a nightclub incident.

The ECB confirmed that no blame was attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub, and that Atkinson was the victim of unproved attacks and did not retaliate. However, the pair did break a midnight curfew that had been introduced after previous drinking issues.

Stokes and Atkinson played county cricket earlier this week, with Stokes scoring a fluent 95 for Durham against Northamptonshire and Atkinson taking four wickets for Surrey against Glamorgan. They were withdrawn from the final two days of those matches to prepare for the Test.

Context of their absence

England suffered a heavy 253-run defeat at The Oval in the second Test, with Joe Root captaining the side in Stokes' absence. The bowling attack, also missing Ollie Robinson due to a knee injury, toiled as New Zealand levelled the series.

• Stokes returns as captain for the deciding third Test at Trent Bridge
• Gus Atkinson also returns after missing the second Test
• Both players broke a midnight curfew after the first Test win at Lord's
• ECB cleared them of violent conduct, stating Atkinson was a victim
• England must win the third Test to win the series 2-1

The third Test begins on Thursday at Trent Bridge, with England aiming to bounce back from their defeat and clinch the series.