ENG vs NZ 2026: Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson included in third Test squad after conclusion of ECB investigation

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in England's squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand after the conclusion of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) disciplinary hearing into their conduct during the early hours of June 8, following the Lord's Test. The pair had previously been omitted from the squad for the second Test at The Oval, which England lost under the captaincy of Joe Root.

Stokes and Atkinson were found guilty of breaching the team curfew. British media reports later revealed that Atkinson was involved in an incident at a nightclub shortly after the Lord's Test. Further details indicated that a rugby academy player attempted to punch Atkinson but instead struck a security staff member, who required stitches.

As a result, the ECB launched an investigation into the matter, leading to the duo's exclusion from the squad for the Oval Test. The investigation has now concluded and determined that Stokes was not present at the nightclub when the incident involving Atkinson took place.

“Stokes and Atkinson were found to have breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket,” the ECB said in an official statement.

“It was also concluded that no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub. Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion,” the statement added.

While England were taking on New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval, Stokes turned out for Durham in a County Championship fixture. The three-match series is currently level at 1-1 after New Zealand secured a commanding 253-run victory in the second Test on Sunday, setting up a decisive final match.

Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue