NEW DELHI: England have made four changes to their playing XI for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the side. Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir were also recalled, replacing James Rew, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker.The changes come after England’s 253-run defeat in the second Test at The Oval, where a much-altered line-up failed to chase down a target of 463. New Zealand’s win leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all final.Stokes and Atkinson missed the second Test after violating the team’s midnight curfew following England’s win in the opening Test. The pair were present during an incident involving a member of ECB security staff and a Saracens rugby player, which led to an investigation.However, a disciplinary hearing later cleared both players of any violent behavior. The ECB stated that Stokes was not involved in the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not respond. Both players received written warnings for violating the team’s rules of conduct.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,” McCullum said. “I said, ‘You know where this came from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?’ He said “no, I have no idea as for me”.McCullum stressed that the two remain close and continue to work together effectively. “There are [are] There will be times where we discuss things and argue. We always end up making decisions together… Ben and I are tight.”The coach also reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with representing England, saying high standards on and off the pitch remain a key part of the team’s culture.