Ollie Robinson has been left out of England’s lineup for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand despite being available for selection.
Robinson took 7-77 on his first appearance for England at Lord’s since 2024 – including a stunning triple-wicket maiden in his first over – but missed the second Test against New Zealand with knee soreness.
The seamer was named in England’s preliminary 15-man squad for the third Test having recovered from injury, but has been left out of the playing XI, with Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue keeping their places from the second Test.
Elsewhere, England captain Stokes and fast bowler Atkinson make their expected returns to the lineup following a one-match suspension during an ECB investigation into a nightclub incident after a team curfew breach.
Both players have since been cleared by the Cricket Regulator of any wrongdoing.
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James Cole reports on England training ahead of the third Test against New Zealand, where we see Ben Stokes for the first time since his one-match suspension after a team curfew breach
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England head coach Brendon McCullum discusses the return of Ben Stokes ahead of the third Test against New Zealand
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith returns to the side from paternity leave in place of debutant James Rew, while England have elected to bring back Atkinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir in place of Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher, despite the latter’s impressive half-ton in the second Test.
Bashir has been preferred to all-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who was included in the provisional squad and made 128 with two wickets in Leicestershire’s win over Yorkshire in the County Championship on Sunday.
Jordan Cox makes way for Stokes to return at No 7 having made his Test debut at The Oval.
England XI for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand:
Ben Duckett
Emilio Gay
Jacob Bethell
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
Ben Stokes (captain)
Gus Atkinson
Jofra Archer
Josh Tongue
Shoaib Bashir
England vs New Zealand results and schedule
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