Ben Stokes to captain England in third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge

The third and final Test of the England‑New Zealand series will be played on 25 June 2026 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The series is level at 1‑1 after New Zealand's 253‑run victory in the second Test at The Oval.

England have confirmed that all‑rounder Ben Stokes, who missed the second match following a curfew breach and an altercation, will return as captain for the decider. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the team is “anticipating” Stokes’s comeback and expressed confidence in the side’s balance ahead of the match.