Ben Stokes set for England recall after being withdrawn from Durham match

The Guardian UK Sunday 21 June 2026, 12:04 UTC By Tanya Aldred and Guardian sport 1 min read

Key Points

Brendon McCullum: England ‘planning’ to recall captainBowler Gus Atkinson also stood down from county dutiesThe 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.

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.

Ben Stokes (PERSON) England (LOCATION) Durham (LOCATION) Brendon McCullum (PERSON) Gus Atkinson (PERSON) New Zealand (LOCATION) Sky Sports (ORG) McCullum (PERSON) Stokes (PERSON) Trent Bridge (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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Ben Stokes set for England recall after being withdrawn from Durham match

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