Ben Stokes returns to captain England in the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. | Photo Credit: AP

Toss update: New Zealand has won the toss and decided to bat first.

England (Playing XI): Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith(w), Ben Stokes(c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

JUST IN: Matt Henry (calf injury) and Glenn Phillips (side strain) have been ruled out of the third Test.

England and New Zealand meet in a winner-takes-all third Test at Trent Bridge with the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy and valuable World Test Championship points at stake. England welcomes back captain Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith after making three changes to the side that suffered a heavy defeat at The Oval, while New Zealand eyes its first Test series win in England since 1999.

Follow our LIVE coverage for score updates, wickets, milestones, key moments and expert analysis throughout the match.

Published on Jun 25, 2026