Ben Stokes reassures fans about fitness for second Test in Wellington

In New Zealand, during the first Test match, England captain Ben Stokes faced concerns regarding his fitness after sustaining a back injury. This incident occurred on the morning of day four when he pulled up with discomfort after attempting to take a catch on day one. He managed to bowl only three deliveries in his fifth over before deciding to cut his spell short as a precautionary measure. Brydon Carse subsequently stepped in to continue the bowling. Despite this setback, Stokes reported that the injury was primarily related to wear and tear rather than a serious issue. He expressed confidence in his ability to recover in time for the upcoming second Test in Wellington. Stokes emphasized that he did not want to risk worse injury by continuing to bowl when he felt discomfort. He recounted previous injury challenges he faced, including a hamstring problem that kept him out of four matches before his return in Pakistan. Stokes has mentioned that, despite the reduced role with the ball in recent years, he is satisfied with his all-round performance. He contributed significantly during the match, bowling almost 20 overs and scoring 80 runs, aiding in England's eight-wicket victory over New Zealand. As he prepares for the second Test, he assured fans that he feels capable and is optimistic about his physical state, stating he is good and ready for action. He highlighted the importance of team morale and the positive environment surrounding them, which contributed to their success in the first Test.