Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been added to England Men’s squad for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand, giving Brendon McCullum a major selection lift after a damaging week for the Test side.
The ECB confirmed the squad update on Monday, 22 June, after England’s disciplinary hearing linked to the slow over-rate sanction from the previous Test. Stokes’ return brings England their captain and all-round balance back into the conversation, while Atkinson gives the attack another high-pace option before the series moves on.
England get captaincy and pace options back at a crucial time
The timing matters because England are trying to respond quickly after New Zealand’s win and the World Test Championship points penalty that followed. Stokes has been central to England’s red-ball identity under McCullum, but his fitness and workload have repeatedly shaped selection calls.
Atkinson’s inclusion is equally significant. England’s seam group has had to absorb heavy overs, and his availability gives the selectors a more aggressive option if they decide the attack needs fresh legs, extra pace and a point of difference in the final selection debate.
The confirmation came via the ECB’s latest England Men squad update, with the final XI still to be settled closer to the third Test.
