England vs New Zealand Third Test: Dates, start time, team news and how to follow as Stokes returns

England and New Zealand conclude their three-match Test series this week at Trent Bridge, with the score locked at 1-1.

The series has been dominated by events off the pitch rather than on it, and Ben Stokes is set to return to lead the team in Nottingham.

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The England captain was suspended for the second Test after he and Gus Atkinson ‘breached specific contractual obligations’ after their first Test win at Lord’s.

They were present when an incident involving an ECB security guard and a Saracens player occurred in a London nightclub.

Initially, it was believed that the duo broke a strict curfew put in place by the ECB’s managing director Rob Key.

But an investigation has concluded that the curfew rules weren’t clear and were open to interpretation.

And in the ECB’s statement, there was no mention of a curfew being broken.

So, after Joe Root stepped in as captain, Stokes is back to lead the team.

England were crushed at The Oval over the weekend, losing by over 250 runs to a New Zealand side inspired by Matt Henry.

England vs New Zealand third Test: Date and how to follow

This Test match will take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

It is due to get going on Thursday, June 25 and will end on Monday, June 29.

Play each day is scheduled to start at 11am.

You can watch every ball on Sky Sports Main Event and Cricket.

Sky Go customers can stream the action through laptops or mobile devices.

Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can be purchased, with various different options.

talkSPORT will have updates throughout and if you live outside of the UK, you can listen to live ball-by-ball commentary of the action on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel.

Jon Norman and Neil Manthorp will be joined by England legend Steve Harmison and former New Zealand star Jeremy Coney as well as Kiwi journalist Melinda Farrell.

England vs New Zealand: Team news

As mentioned, Stokes and Atkinson make an immediate return to the squad and will almost certainly be selected in the XI.

The ones to miss out are Sonny Baker and James Rew.

Both players made their Test debuts at The Oval but will now have to wait for another chance.

Fellow debutant Jordan Cox keeps his place in the side along with Matthew Fisher.

Jofra Archer is also included despite suggestions he would sit this one out.

Ollie Robinson also returns after sitting out the second Test.

For New Zealand, they could name an unchanged team after a huge win.

England squad: 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

New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

England vs New Zealand third Test: What has been said?

When confirming Stokes’ return, the ECB outlined what they found he and Atkinson had done wrong.

The statement said: “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.

“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.

“In addition to not being considered for selection for the second Rothesay Test, they have both been given a written warning as to their conduct.

“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.”

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England head coach Brendon McCullum insists that there are no issues between he and Stokes.

Speaking after the defeat at The Oval, he said: “I’ve said all the way along we’ve worked together intimately for four years. We’ve achieved some cool things and we’ve let ourselves down on other things.

“Our motivation, our belief and our vision for this side have not wavered. We still want to make the England cricket team the best possible and to have long-term, sustainable success.

“We have robust conversations all the time and I think that’s to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership.

“There’s a mutual respect in how we operate and, normally, we’re able to navigate through those conversations and maintain a collaborative approach.

“It’s really important to separate the actions from the man. As leaders, we help set standards and try to abide by them constantly. Occasionally there will be mistakes. You address them and then move on.

“I’ve been very clear and very supportive of Ben, particularly this week. I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well moving forward. I’m sure we still share the same vision for this team.”