A three-match Test series is currently underway between England and New Zealand. The second Test is being played at the Kennington Oval in London, and two days of play have already been completed. England won the first match by 115 runs and leads the three-match series 1-0.
Ben Stokes captained England in the first match but was not included in the squad for the second. Following the first Test at Lord's, Stokes and Gus Atkinson were found guilty of breaching the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) code of conduct due to an altercation with rugby player Totoa Auva at a London nightclub. The ECB charged them with violating midnight curfew rules. Additionally, the nightclub incident became a topic of discussion, although neither Stokes nor Atkinson sustained any injuries during the event.
According to reports, an ECB security staff member was injured by a punch during an altercation involving rugby player Totoa; the incident became a major talking point in the English cricketing world. Consequently, both Stokes and Atkinson were ruled out of the second Test between England and New Zealand. As vice-captain Harry Brook was not handed the reins either, Joe Root is captaining the team for this match. Although Stokes is missing the second Test, he is expected to return for the third and final match.
Will Ben Stokes be part of the third Test against New Zealand?
According to a report by 'Circle of Cricket', Stokes is expected to return for the third Test against New Zealand. The report also states that it is uncertain whether he will captain the team. The third Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on June 25 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, with England currently placed seventh and New Zealand fourth on the points table. The outcome of the second Test will lead to further changes in their rankings on the WTC points table.
Meanwhile, Stokes has been included in Durham's 15-man squad for their home County Championship match against Northamptonshire. The match will be played at Chester-le-Street starting Friday (June 19).
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