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The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand has just concluded with the Kiwis losing to the hosts by 253 runs to level the three-match series. Now the third and final test will be decided at Trent Bridge on June 25. Ahead of this, Brendon McCullum released a big update on England captain Ben Stokes missing the 2nd Test.
McCallum said it “looks like” Ben Stokes will return as captain of the Trent Bridge Trials. It’s a big update from the England cricket camp as their star all-rounder was dropped from the side along with bowler Gus Atkinson for breaching curfew and also for being involved in a physical altercation with a former rugby player.
Why did Ben Stokes miss the 2nd test?
Ben Stokes got into a physical fight with the 6ft 5in (1.95m) former Samoa A and Samoa Under-20 captain. A video of what was shared and they also broke the team’s curfew by visiting the club. He was penalized for breaking the curfew along with Atkinson and both were dismissed, with Joe Root handing over the captaincy.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were allowed to play in the County Championship despite being dropped from the Test squad due to the investigation process. They have both been recalled from their Durham and Surrey camps at the request of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). It was seen as a hope for a comeback.
Brendon McCullum confirms Stokes’ return
McCullum has now sealed the deal, confirming after the end of the second Test match. Ben Stokes has been an integral part of the England team for many years and his captaincy was brilliant and important under McCullum thanks to the new style of cricket called ‘Baseball’.
McCallum stated: “Yes, at this stage we are planning to do that. The rest of the team will come out later. Today? This afternoon when we let a few guys know.’
Brendon McCullum says England ‘expect’ Ben Stokes to return to captain England in third Test 🔙 pic.twitter.com/0yR5rNdjMI
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 21, 2026
“But yes, we expect that to happen later today. It’s obviously a quick turnaround, so we’ve got to make sure we give the guys that consistent message and deliver it in the right way. But we expect Ben to return to the captaincy.”
I was comfortable with the balance of the side – Brendon McCullum
In addition, McCullum spoke about the balance of the side: “I was satisfied with the balance of the side. I was comfortable with the side we chose. We just dropped 10 catches. I don’t know how many Tests have ever been won when you drop 10 catches, but it’s almost impossible to succeed.”
“So, look, we did some good things. We had some opportunities. We didn’t quite take them. But it’s important for us now to know that we go to Trent Bridge. We’ve won all the series after a very good performance at Lord’s. Not such a good week against a good New Zealand team.”