Ben Stokes ‘will be back and he’ll be captain’ in third Test – Brendon McCullum (opens original article in a new tab)

Ben Stokes will return as England captain for the third Test against New Zealand, with coach Brendon McCullum expressing confidence in his leadership despite ongoing investigations into a breach of team protocols. Uncertainty remains about the team's new rules and the captain-coach relationship.

• Ben Stokes will return as England captain against New Zealand
• England coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes' return despite ongoing investigations
• Uncertainty remains about team protocols and Stokes' relationship with the coach
• New curfew rules introduced after alcohol-related issues are still unclear