Ben Stokes is eager to make his mark in the second Test against New Zealand after addressing concerns over his fitness. The England captain played a key role in the team’s dominant performance at Hagley Oval, but midway through his bowling spell on the fourth morning of the match, he pulled up with a slight discomfort. However, he has moved to downplay any fears about a serious injury, revealing that the issue was more about managing minor stiffness in his lower back rather than any fresh damage.
Stokes had already played a crucial role in England’s eight-wicket win, having bowled 19.3 overs in the match and contributing 80 runs in the first innings. Despite fears that the all-rounder had suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that had kept him out of four Tests earlier in the year, Stokes reassured everyone that the injury was not serious. He described his decision to stop bowling mid-over as a precautionary one, noting that England was in a strong position with victory almost assured. “The body is going to be good for this outing,” Stokes said, with confidence about his readiness for the second Test in Wellington. “I think I’ll be raring to go for Wellington.”
The England captain also acknowledged that his return to form was particularly important, not only for his own morale but for England’s chances of taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. After a difficult tour of Pakistan, Stokes looked much sharper in New Zealand, with his all-round performance offering hope that he can continue to contribute in both batting and bowling, key components of his role.
Stokes’ back injury, which he sustained during a dive on day one of the Christchurch Test, was another factor in his cautious approach. It was never expected to be a long-term problem, but given the match situation, he saw no need to push through pain when England was firmly in control. “It was more management than anything else,” he explained. “With where we were in the game, it didn’t feel necessary to eke out any more balls than I needed to.” This cautious approach paid off, as England clinched victory with a day to spare, thanks in part to Brydon Carse’s impressive six-wicket haul in the second innings.
Looking ahead to the second Test, Stokes also spoke about the team’s flexible approach to handling personnel changes. Despite some injury disruptions, particularly with wicketkeeper Jordan Cox’s fractured thumb, England has been able to adapt. The decision to have Ollie Pope take over the gloves in Christchurch proved successful, as Pope kept solidly behind the stumps and scored a vital 77 runs, helping to guide England’s turnaround from a precarious 71 for four to a commanding 499 all out.
The England captain lauded Pope’s ability to balance his duties as a keeper and a batsman, remarking that the team’s approach had been to give him the space to focus separately on each role. “We did it right by letting Popey concentrate on batting and wicketkeeping separately,” Stokes said. “That was the makeup for this game and we’ll see in Wellington.” This flexibility is crucial as England navigates through a series that could have significant implications on their chances of securing a series win.
Of particular note in the first Test was Brydon Carse’s remarkable performance. The Durham bowler was named player of the match after taking 10 wickets in the match, helping to ensure England’s victory. Stokes, who has known Carse for over a decade, praised his former county teammate for his resilience and natural talent. “He was very raw when he first came to Durham,” said Stokes. “But he had natural ability. One ball could be 90mph, the next could be 82mph, but he would keep bowling, even if his toe was ripped off.”
Carse’s work ethic and natural flair for fast bowling have made him a standout player, and Stokes believes he has a long future ahead with England. “He’s just worked incredibly hard to get himself here, and I think he’s going to be playing for England for a long time now … which is a shame for Durham.” Carse, in turn, credited Stokes for his leadership and the calming influence he provides, allowing him to play his natural game. “To have him captain me is a massive factor,” Carse said. “He knows my cricket inside out. It’s a very calming influence on me, letting me be myself and play my natural game.”
As the series progresses, Stokes will look to build on his team’s strong start, with a particular focus on maintaining his fitness and continuing to lead both in the field and with the bat. England’s prospects of securing a series win in New Zealand will depend on his all-round contributions, and from what he has shown in the first Test, he seems poised to do just that.
