Ben Stokes recalled to England side for third Test at expense of Sam Curran

All-rounder back in the side after being found not guilty of affray charge

Ben Stokes wishes he had not rushed back into the England side immediately after being cleared of affray. Reuters

Ben Stokes has been named in the England team to play India in the third Test at Trent Bridge, captain Joe Root said.

Stokes was recalled to the squad just hours after being cleared of affray earlier this week and replaces Sam Curran in the team.

Root said it was "probably one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make as captain" after Curran's impressive performances in the victories at Edgbaston and Lord's

All-rounder Stokes was added to England's 13-man squad on Tuesday, just hours after being acquitted on a charge of affray at Bristol Crown Court.

Stokes replaces left-arm swing bowler Sam Curran, England's man-of-the-match in their 31-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston earlier this month.

Stokes missed England's innings and 159-run win in the second Test at Lord's last week because of a clash of dates with his trial after playing in the series-opener.

England lead the five-match series 2-0 and victory in the third Test, which starts on Saturday, will see them retain the Pataudi Trophy.

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