NOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — New Zealand won the toss against England and opted to bat first in the third and deciding test at a sweltering Trent Bridge on Thursday.
The series is tied at 1-1 and the weather might have a big role in Nottingham, where uncommon temperatures in Britain of 31 C (88 F) are forecast and a dry surface looks good for the batters.
England is attempting to steady itself after a brought about by captain and fast bowler Gus Atkinson having a night out after the at Lord’s.
They were for the second test — last week — but have been recalled for Nottingham, with Stokes from Joe Root. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is back from paternity leave and Shoaib Bashir is in as a spin option, replacing pacer Sonny Baker.
New Zealand has — strike bowler and middle-order batter Glenn Phillips — because of injury, while pacer Kyle Jamieson is rested to manage his workload after recent back problems. Spinner Mitchell Santner came in, along with rookie seamers Blair Tickner and Ben Sears, who have seven tests between them.
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Lineups:
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke.
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AP cricket:
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