England omit Ollie Robinson as Ben Stokes returns for series decider
England captain Ben Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson will return for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand, but Ollie Robinson has been omitted.
The returning skipper and his fast-bowling team-mate missed the heavy 253-run defeat in the second Test while serving a one-match suspension.
Both players were unavailable due to a Cricket Regulator investigation into a team curfew breach, but have since been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Robinson overlooked despite rapid recovery
The decision to leave out Robinson is a significant talking point heading into the decisive match.
The highly skilled seamer claimed brilliant match figures of 7-77 during the series opener at Lord’s, a performance that included a devastating triple-wicket maiden in his first over.
However, the 32-year-old was sidelined for the second Test with knee soreness and fails to regain his spot despite being declared fully fit for selection.
Pace duo Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue have instead retained their places in an intimidating bowling attack.
Smith and Bashir bolster the ranks
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith resumes his role behind the stumps after returning from paternity leave, replacing promising debutant James Rew.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir also comes back into the starting XI at the expense of Matt Fisher as the hosts look to bounce back from their previous drubbing.
Batter Jordan Cox makes way to accommodate his captain’s return at number seven after earning his first Test cap at The Oval.
Head coach Brendon McCullum will be hoping the restored leadership dynamic can inspire a crucial victory against the formidable tourists.
England XI for the third 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
