Ben Stokes is set to reclaim his role as England's Test captain for the third Test against New Zealand. This decision comes after he was withdrawn from a County Championship match with Durham, indicating a strategic move by the England management to ensure his readiness for the international fixture.

Brendon McCullum, the head coach of the England team, confirmed Stokes' return, emphasizing the importance of having the experienced player back in the squad. The announcement of the full squad for the Test match is expected later today, following discussions with the players.

Stokes' withdrawal from the Durham match was not an isolated incident; it coincided with the removal of Gus Atkinson from his County match due to a breach of team curfew. This situation has raised questions about team discipline and the management's approach to maintaining standards within the squad.

The interim captain, Joe Root, faced challenges leading an inexperienced side during the recent match against New Zealand at The Oval. The absence of Stokes, a key player, was felt significantly, and his return is seen as a crucial boost for the team as they aim to regain momentum in the series.