England have announced four changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday. Captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson return to the side after missing the previous match following an incident at a Chelsea nightclub a fortnight ago.
Shoaib Bashir recalled as England bolster spin attack
Spinner Shoaib Bashir has also been recalled, with the expected hot conditions in Nottingham prompting England to restore their frontline slow bowler. Bashir was left out of England's 253-run defeat at The Oval and did not bowl a single delivery in the series opener at Lord's. His return signals a greater emphasis on spin as England look to level the series.
Ollie Robinson misses out despite fitness
There is no place in the XI for Ollie Robinson, despite the Player of the Match from the Lord's Test being declared fit after recovering from a knee niggle that ruled him out of the second Test. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith completes the quartet of returning players after missing the Oval Test for the birth of his second child. He replaces James Rew, whose difficult debut at The Oval led to his omission from England's 15-man squad for the series finale.
England's recent form and McCullum's outlook
England's defeat at The Oval means they have now lost six of their last seven Tests, a run stretching back to India's series-levelling victory at the same venue in September 2025. Despite the disappointing sequence, head coach Brendon McCullum maintained that his focus remains on the team's processes and long-term development rather than short-term outcomes. "What will be will be from a results POV. We're desperate to win, but at the time, what will be will be. How can we hold our nerves during those moments and have absolute clarity to make the right decisions to give ourselves the best chance? If we do that, then we have a good chance of getting the prize that we want," he said, as per ESPNcricinfo.
England XI for the third Test
The England XI for the series decider is: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (capt), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
