Ollie Robinson has been left out of England’s lineup for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand despite being available for selection. Robinson took 7-77 on his first appearance for England at Lord’s since 2024 – including a stunning triple-wicket maiden in his first over – but missed the second Test against New Zealand with knee soreness. The seamer, was named in England’s preliminary 15-man squad for the third Test having recovered from injury, but has been left out of the playing XI, with Jofra
Archer and Josh Tongue keeping their places from the second Test. Elsewhere, England captain Stokes and seamer Atkinson make their expected returns to the lineup following a one-match suspension during an ECB investigation into a nightclub incident after a team curfew breach. Both players have since been cleared by the Cricket Regulator of any wrongdoing. Brendon McCullum says Ben Stokes relationship not tarnishedStuart Broad: England defeat shows how they need Ben StokesEngland thrashed by 253 runs as New Zealand level Test series Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith
returns to the side from paternity leave in place of debutant James Rew, while England have elected to bring back Atkinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir in place of Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher. Jordan Cox makes way for Stokes to return at No 7 having made his Test debut at The Oval. More to follow. England XI for the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand: Ben DuckettEmilio GayJacob BethellJoe RootHarry BrookJamie Smith (wicketkeeper)Ben Stokes (captain)Gus AtkinsonJofra ArcherJosh TongueShoaib Bashir
England vs New Zealand, third Test, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Jamie Smith, paternity leave, ECB investigation, Cricket Regulator, Shoaib Bashir, Sonny Baker, Matt Fisher, Jordan Cox
So they drop Robinson even though he was healthy?? That seems shady or like they just hate him lol.
I don’t get it. If Stokes and Atkinson were “cleared” then why did it even take an investigation for one match? Feels like PR stuff.
Robinson was literally good at Lord’s so leaving him out doesn’t make sense. Maybe they’re scared of his knee or something even if they said he was available. And Jofra Archer and Tongue kept their spots which is wild to me.
This nightclub curfew thing sounds like it’s always the captain getting a pass. “Cleared” by the Cricket Regulator doesn’t mean it wasn’t a mess though. Also putting Stokes back at No 7? England lineup decisions are confusing like every other sport.