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Brendon McCullum confirms Ben Stokes will captain England against New Zealand

Yahoo Sports • 3 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 8:11 PM

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

Brendon McCullum confirms Ben Stokes will captain England against New Zealand
Summary

England's head coach Brendon McCullum announced that Ben Stokes will captain the team in the upcoming third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham. Stokes returns after missing the second Test, where England suffered a 253-run defeat at The Oval, due to a disciplinary issue involving a curfew breach. McCullum praised Stokes for his performance with Durham, where he scored 95 runs, and downplayed concerns about tensions between the two. The team aims to rebound in the series decider, with McCullum expressing optimism about Stokes's return to form.

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Status Watch
  • •Stokes missed the second Test due to a curfew breach.
  • •McCullum confirmed Stokes will return as captain.
  • •England lost the second Test by 253 runs.
  • •Stokes scored 95 runs for Durham before his return.
  • •The third Test is set to take place in Nottingham.
Latest Updates
  • 1:17 PMYahoo Sports — Stokes back on England duty after disciplinary controversy and says only 'focusing on this week'
  • 5:06 PMYahoo Sports — Ben Stokes relationship with Rob Key and Brendon McCullum reportedly hits new low ahead of ENG vs NZ Test series decider
  • 8:11 PMYahoo Sports — 'Ben Stokes will be captain': Head coach Brendon McCullum gives massive update after England's 253-run defeat to New Zealand
  • 12:04 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ben Stokes set for England recall after being withdrawn from Durham match
What they're saying
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Brendon McCullum: England planning to recall captain Bowler Gus Atkinson also stood down from county duties The England head coach, Brendon McCullum, has confirmed Ben Stokes is likely to return as captain for the third Test against New Zealand. Speaking to Sky Sports after his side’s heavy defeat in the second Test was confirmed on Sunday, McCullum was asked if Stokes’ withdrawal from county duties with Durham meant he would return to captain the starting XI at Trent Bridge. “Yeah, at the moment that’s what we’re planning,” McCullum said. “The rest of the squad [for the third Test] will be announced this afternoon once we’ve told a few of the lads.” Continue reading...

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Ben Stokes refused to give assurances on his long-term future as England cricket captain after his latest disciplinary controversy, saying Wednesday his full focus was on the deciding test of the series against New Zealand. Commenting publicly for the first time since being dropped pending an investigation into an incident at a nightclub after the first test, Stokes didn't go into details about the controversy or whether he considered giving up the captaincy — or indeed retiring. The England all-rounder also said he didn't feel his relationship with coach Brendon McCullum had deteriorated as a result of the events of the past two weeks.

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England captain Ben Stokes will return for the third Test against New Zealand despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation over a curfew breach. Coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes will lead the side after impressing with Durham. Gus Atkinson is also in line for a comeback. McCullum dismissed talk of tensions, insisting there remains mutual respect between him and Stokes.

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