England Omit Ollie Robinson for Decisive Test, Stokes and Atkinson Return

Ollie Robinson has been omitted from England’s lineup for the series‑deciding third Test against New Zealand, even though he was available for selection.

Robinson had taken 7 for 77 on his first England outing at Lord’s since 2024, featuring a dramatic triple‑wicket maiden in his opening over, but missed the second Test with a knee complaint.

Although named in England’s provisional 15‑man squad for the third Test after recovering from injury, Robinson was left out of the final XI, with Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue retained from the second Test.

Meanwhile, captain Ben Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson are set to return to the side, regaining their places after a one‑match suspension linked to an ECB investigation into a nightclub incident following a team curfew breach.

Both have since been cleared by the Cricket Regulator of any wrongdoing.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith returns to the side from paternity leave, replacing debutant James Rew. England have also recalled Gus Atkinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir, confirming the omission of Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher despite the latter’s impressive half‑century in the second Test.

Shoaib Bashir has been favoured over all‑rounder Rehan Ahmed, who had been included in the provisional squad and scored 128 runs with two wickets for Leicestershire against Yorkshire in the County Championship on Sunday.

Jordan Cox has been replaced by Ben Stokes at number seven, where Stokes is returning after his Test debut at The Oval.

England XI for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand:

Ben Duckett
Emilio Gay
Jacob Bethell
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
Ben Stokes (captain)
Gus Atkinson
Jofra Archer
Josh Tongue
Shoaib Bashir

Source link