England vs New Zealand: 'I like the No 6 spot and want to make it mine,' says Ben Stokes
His talent with both bat and ball is simply too great for England to disregard
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Your support makes all the difference.Ben Stokes pressed his claims to become England’s long-term No 6 after a thrilling innings helped rescue England from a desperate position against New Zealand.
Promoted up the order by the interim coach, Paul Farbrace, Durham all-rounder Stokes repaid that faith by scoring 92 from just 94 deliveries. When a century looked a formality, he misread an arm ball from the off-spinner Mark Craig and was bowled, yet his contribution ensured England could fight back from 30 for 4 to 354 for 7 at the close.
With typical candour, Stokes said: “What did I think when I was bowled? I’m not sure I can say it without using a swear word, so I’d better leave it there.
“Batting at six gives me more responsibility. It’s a place with which I’m familiar and where I hope I can continue. I want to make it my spot.”
Stokes has enjoyed an eventful England career. Before scoring his maiden Test century in Perth in December 2013, the 23-year-old was sent home from a Lions tour of Australia for ignoring a team curfew.
Three months after that knock in Perth, Stokes again had to cut short a tour, this time in the West Indies when he punched a dressing-room locker in frustration and broke his wrist.
Yet his talent with both bat and ball is simply too great for England to disregard. When Stokes joined Joe Root at the crease, England were 30 for 4. Other players would have shrunk under such pressure, but it brought out the best from Stokes.
“Playing international cricket cannot last as long as you would like it to,” he said. “So while I’m here, I want to play in the way I’m comfortable with and how I know I can be successful.
“I intend to play in the same way I do for Durham, which is what got me here in the first place. Paul Farbrace just told me to do what I always do and that everyone backs me.
“Last time I played here, I got a pair in a Test against India [in July 2014] and things could not have been any worse. It is always nice to perform well at a ground where things have gone badly in the past. I’m maturing and the more international cricket you play, the more it fills you with confidence.”
The tourists were on top after the first hour, and even though England recovered superbly, New Zealand had the last word when Trent Boult had Jos Buttler lbw with the final ball of the day.
Matt Henry bowled well on his debut, producing a beauty to bowl Ian Bell for one. He added: “We kept fighting and it was fantastic to get that wicket at the end.”
Moments of the day
Shot of the day
The 14th of Ben Stokes’ 15 fours, a back-foot punch through cover off Trent Boult, epitomised a glittering display.
Ball
Ian Bell was bowled by Matt Henry’s 20th ball in Tests, which was full, fast, held its own and hit off.
Moment
Moeen Ali’s lovely cover drive for four took England past 330. From 30 for 4 they had added another 300, losing only two more wickets.
Stephen Brenkley
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