England recall acquitted Stokes for 3rd Test

England have recalled Ben Stokes to their starting XI for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge, captain Joe Root announced Friday.

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.

"It's probably one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make as captain," Root told reporters at Trent Bridge, where the third Test starts Saturday.

England lead the five-match series 2-0 and victory in Nottingham will see them retain the Pataudi Trophy.