Ben Stokes returns as captain after England refuse to blame him for nightclub row

Ben Stokes will return to captain England in the third Test against New Zealand after the ECB concluded its investigation into the nightclub incident that led to his omission from the second Test. Pace bowler Gus Atkinson has also been recalled after both players served a one-match disciplinary sanction.

The pair had been left out of the second Test at The Oval while the England and Wales Cricket Board investigated events following England's victory at Lord's earlier this month. In an official



statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the governing body confirmed that while Stokes and Atkinson had breached team conduct rules, neither player was responsible for the violence that occurred during the incident.

"Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been included in the England Men's squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary hearing in relation to their conduct in the early hours of Monday 8 June," the statement read.