England vs India, 3rd Test: Ben Stokes earns recall, replaces Sam Curran

Nottingham: 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.