England captain Ben Stokes is asked about breaking the midnight curfew following the first Test against New Zealand and whether he considered stepping down from his position.

There were no pitch issues at The Oval, England's problems were all of their own making as they slumped to a 253-run defeat in the absence of captain Ben Stokes that saw New Zealand level the series ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge - here's how the players fared.

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 missed the 253-run thumping at The Oval following a nightclub incident.

Stuart Broad says England's hammering by New Zealand at The Oval shows how much the team need Ben Stokes and that the captain will be "hurt" knowing that his absence significantly contributed to such a heavy defeat.

Brendon McCullum insists Ben Stokes' actions have not impacted their working relationship as England's head coach prepares to welcome his captain back for the third Test against New Zealand.

Head coach Brendon McCullum confirms Ben Stokes is set to return as England captain for the third Test against New Zealand.

England head coach Brendon McCullum "anticipates" that captain Ben Stokes will return to the side for the deciding third Test against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from the remainder of their respective County Championship matches in a clear indication that they will return to the England team for the final Test against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes has been withdrawn from the remainder of Durham’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire in a clear indication that he will return to England's Test team.

Ben Stokes fell just five runs short of a century on his return to Durham after he was dropped by England, who are nearing defeat in their second Test against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes returned with a wicket for Durham against Northamptonshire ahead of a potential reintroduction to the England squad for the third Test against New Zealand.

…from FridayByStephan ShemiltCricket Correspondent at The OvalPublished18 June 2026Ben Stokes could return as England captain as early as next week for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation for their part in an incident in a London nightclub, when…

…doubts as England captain finds home comfortImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ben Stokes is playing for Durham against Northamptonshire, his third County Championship match of the seasonByMatthew Henry, BBC Sport journalist at Chester-le-Street and Adam Samuel, BBC Look North sports reporterPublished19 June 2026…