NZ vs ENG: The Ben Stokes-led team has named veteran England pacer Stuart Broad to the playing XI for the opening Test match against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, and he is ready to make his comeback to red-ball cricket.
The cricketer will be seen playing his 160th Test match for the Three Lions after missing the Pakistan trip due to the birth of his first child, Annabella.
Ben Stokes, the captain of England, has stated that they sought to cover all the bases given the Mount Maunganui conditions, and that Broad will be a crucial piece of their jigsaw puzzle. He can swing the ball both ways, and the series’ conditions will be favourable for the pacer. The 36-year-old will take the pitch with James Anderson and Ollie Robinson as England looks to overwhelm opponents away from home.
Before the first Test, Ben Stokes was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying, “The way in which we’ve gone about our selections and stuff like that, especially in England and in similarish conditions here, the team we pick – especially with the ball – has the bases all covered, especially in these type of conditions.”
An update on Ben Stokes’ bowling fitness is provided.
Stokes, the captain of England, has stated that he is healthy enough to bowl in the opening Test. The 31-year-fitness old’s was questioned because he did not play in the exhibition match against the New Zealand XI. Stokes, though, shot down all the rumours and asserted that he is healthy and ready to play.
“Despite the weather, we were still able to train in the tent, and we’ve had a really excellent lead-up to this game,” said Stokes.
“The situation is ideal. Picking the appropriate time to bowl is important in terms of bowling. I’ve got the last two days free from bowling, and tomorrow [Wednesday] I’ll trundle.” The all-rounder said, “I’m just making sure I get everything in before we start.”
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