Stokes to return as England captain for 3rd New Zealand Test: McCullum

Ben Stokes will return as England captain for next week’s third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham, England, head coach Brendon McCullum announced on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

Stokes was stood down from England’s 253-run defeat by New Zealand in the second Test at the Oval for breaching a team curfew following his side’s win in the series opener at Lord’s, but McCullum, speaking after the tourists levelled the series at 1-1 on Sunday, said, “Ben will be back. He’ll be back as captain.”