NEW DELHI: England have made four changes to their playing XI for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the side. Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir have also been recalled, replacing James Rew, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker.The changes come after England’s disappointing 253-run defeat in the second Test at The Oval, where a heavily altered lineup failed to chase down a target of 463. New Zealand’s victory levelled the series at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all finale.Stokes and Atkinson missed the second Test after breaching the team’s midnight curfew following England’s win in the opening Test. The pair were present during an incident involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player, which led to an investigation.However, a disciplinary hearing later cleared both players of any violent conduct. The ECB stated that Stokes was not involved in the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate. Both players did receive written warnings for breaking team conduct rules.Ahead of the Trent Bridge Test, England coach Brendon McCullum rejected speculation that his relationship with Stokes had become strained following the controversy.“We talked about that this morning,” McCullum said. “I said, ‘do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?’ He said ‘no, I have no idea as far as I’m concerned.'”McCullum stressed that the two remain close and continue to work together effectively. “There is [are] going to be times where we discuss things and we debate things. We’ve always ended up making decisions together… Ben and I are tight.”The coach also reminded players of the responsibility that comes with representing England, saying high standards on and off the field remain a key part of the team’s culture.
