England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson (AP Photo/Tertius Picard)

New Delhi: England have made four changes to their playing eleven for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the team. Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir have also been recalled in place of James Rea, Jordan Cox. Matthew Fisher And Sonny Baker.The changes came after England’s disappointing 253-run defeat in the second Test at The Oval, where a heavily changed team failed to chase down the target of 463 runs. New Zealand’s victory leveled the series at 1–1, setting up a winner-takes-all final.Stokes and Atkinson missed the second Test due to the team violating a midnight curfew following England’s victory in the opening Test. The pair were present during the incident involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player, which led to an investigation.However, a disciplinary hearing later cleared both players of any violent conduct. The ECB said Stokes was not involved in the fight, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate. Both players received written warnings for breaking team conduct rules.Ahead of the Trent Bridge Test, England coach Brendon McCullum dismissed speculation that his relationship with Stokes had become strained following the controversy.“We talked about it this morning,” McCollum said. “I said, ‘Do you know where this came from, the conversation about our relationship over the last six months?’ He said, ‘No, as far as I’m concerned, I have no information.’McCullum stressed that the two remain close and will continue to work together effectively. “there is [are] There are going to be times when we discuss things and we debate things. We’ve always made decisions together…Ben and I are tough.”The coach reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with representing England, saying that high standards on and off the field remain an important part of the team’s culture.