England vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson return for deciding Test at Trent Bridge after nightclub incident

Ben Stokes will return to captain England for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge with Gus Atkinson also back after both players were cleared of violent conduct following a nightclub incident earlier this month.

Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for the second Test at The Kia Oval - which England lost by 253 runs - following an episode in the early hours on Monday June 8, the day after England's 115-run victory at Lord's in the series opener, with an investigation launched.

The ECB said on Sunday afternoon that a disciplinary process found "no blame" should be attached to the players for the scuffles at the nightclub, adding that fast bowler Atkinson was the "victim of unproved attacks and did not retaliate" and that all-rounder Stokes was not involved in, and did not witness, any altercations.

Atkinson was allegedly punched by a Saracens academy rugby player, with a member of ECB security staff struck.