Stokes and McCullum clear the air before England's New Zealand decider
Captain returns to a stronger XI after a frank conversation with the head coach, drawing a line under a disciplinary episode that followed a heavy defeat at the Oval.
Daniel Fletcher
Writer ·
Ben Stokes has returned to England's Test side after what Brendon McCullum called a frank and positive conversation before the series decider against New Zealand.
Moving on from the Oval
The captain and head coach sought to move on from a disciplinary episode that followed a late night out and a heavy defeat at the Oval, drawing a clear line under the affair before the deciding match.
A stronger XI
England named a stronger side, with Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir all back in the team as the side looked to settle a tight series.
What happens next
With the air cleared and key players restored, attention turns to the cricket itself, as England aim to channel the reset into a decisive performance against the Black Caps.
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by The Guardian. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.
You may also like to read
England drop Robinson and recall Stokes and Atkinson for series-deciding Test
Selectors leave out a bowler fresh from a seven-wicket haul as the captain and his fast-bowling partner return from suspension, turning the Trent Bridge decider into a referendum on England's judgement.
Ben Stokes apology puts England under pressure before Trent Bridge decider
The England captain's public apology has turned the deciding Test against New Zealand into a wider test of leadership and discipline.
Stokes and Atkinson cleared by Cricket Regulator over London nightclub incident
England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will face no regulatory action after a review of a London nightclub episode, but both have been handed written warnings before the deciding Test at Trent Bridge.
New Zealand Openers Latham and Conway Pile Pressure on England at Trent Bridge
Tom Latham and Devon Conway shared a record 317 opening stand in searing heat as the third Test swung the tourists' way on day one.