Ben Stokes will return to the England side at Trent Bridge, replacing Sam Curran from the XI that won the second Test, Joe Root has confirmed.
Stokes, who was added to the squad on the conclusion of his trial for affray so that the team management could assess his mental and physical readiness, returns as the only change to the team that hammered India at Lord’s.
“Ben is desperate to get back playing cricket,” Root said. “He’s desperate to get out there, put in performances and concentrate on his cricket now. He feels ready to play.”
Chris Woakes, having made a century and taken four wickets at Lord’s, keeps his place.
England XI at Trent Bridge
Alastair Cook
Keaton Jennings
Joe Root (c)
Ollie Pope
Jonny Bairstow (wk)
Ben Stokes
Jos Buttler
Chris Woakes
Adil Rashid
Stuart Broad
James Anderson
