England vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson returns confirmed as Ollie Robinson left out for third Test

23.06.2026, 19:04 skysports.com

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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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.

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Ben DuckettEmilio GayJacob BethellJoe RootHarry BrookJamie Smith (wicketkeeper)Ben Stokes (captain)Gus AtkinsonJofra ArcherJosh TongueShoaib Bashir

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