Ben Stokes will return as England captain for third New Zealand Test - McCullum

Ben Stokes will return as England captain for the next week’s third Test against New Zealand, head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed. Stokes was stood down from the second Rothesay Test after England launched a disciplinary investigation into a breach of team protocols early on June 8. He then played for Durham, hitting 95 on day two of their County Championship match against Northamptonshire on Saturday. On Sunday morning, Stokes and Gus Atkinson, also left out after a curfew breach, were removed from their county fixtures pending a recall. After England suffered a 253-run defeat to New Zealand at The Oval, McCullum said Stokes will lead again in Nottingham. The decision follows ongoing conversations with Stokes, the coach added.