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Stuart Broad,James Anderson and Ben Stokes during a Test match against New Zealand at Lord’s last June.Credit:Getty Images

England are already a bowler down. Jamie Overton is unlikely to be part of the Ashes after he became the latest quick to suffer from the curse of back stress fractures.

Matt Potts is on the New Zealand tour and was the best bowler in the warm-up game last week. He will feature in Stokes’ Ashes plans,as could Chris Woakes. He might not be considered for overseas Tests any more but he remains as effective as Anderson and Broad with the Dukes ball in England.

Stokes’ bowling days are winding down. He will still volunteer for a long spell of back-breaking (in his case,knee-breaking) work if the team needs it,but he has been careful with his preparation in New Zealand,bowling only the odd spell in the nets.

Stokes has avoided mentioning the Ashes since his appointment last April,insisting the team concentrates on the here and now after too many years worrying about the next gig.

Jofra Archer has not played Test cricket since 2021.Credit:Getty

But this is England’s last Test series before the Ashes – there is a one-off game against Ireland in June – and it is hard to see his side changing much from the one playing this week,so talk is turning to Australia.

New Zealand have already played against“Bazball”. This is the first time England have met a team for the second time under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum,so the element of surprise has gone.

England also have a poor record in New Zealand,having not won a single Test there since 2008. Tim Southee has replaced Kane Williamson as captain since the 3-0 defeat in England last summer,when New Zealand had a chance in all three Tests but were blown away.

Will they be bolder? Can they go toe-to-toe with England? The loss of Kyle Jamieson due to a stress fracture and the absence of Matt Henry because of the birth of his child weakens their attack considerably.

Southee was more positive than his predecessor on the recent tour of Pakistan,gambling with a declaration,and New Zealand batted a touch quicker – 3.6 an over compared to 2.4 on previous tours – but nowhere near the rapidity of England (5.5 an over). It showed in the result of the two-match series:0-0.

Williamson scored a double hundred in the first Test,but New Zealand did not leave themselves enough time to take 20 wickets.

Stokes has set the train running and led by example. With the team programmed to play his way,it is now about guiding the next generation.

“I’m at a stage now where I would much prefer to leave a mark on other people’s careers than look to make mine more established,” he said.

“I’ve got a real desire to make the best out of the team I’ve got and one of my goals as captain is to let some of these guys just have an amazing career. If I can influence that in any way,shape or form,then I’ll be happy.”

The Telegraph,London

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