The fitness of all-rounder Ben Stokes will be a key factor for England as they seek to win the second match against New Zealand in Christchurch and improve on a woeful record that has seen them lose 10 of their last 12 overseas tests. Stokes batted at number five at Eden Park, scoring a patient 66 in the second innings and sharing in several partnerships that had threatened to snatch an unlikely draw after the tourists were bowled out for 58 in their first innings. Stokes' fitness to bowl is likely to determine whether fellow all-rounder Moeen Ali retains his spot, with Bayliss putting the pressure on the off-spinner. Astle, who was replaced by Ish Sodhi, took 3-39 in England's second innings, which included two wickets in the final session as New Zealand pushed for victory. "As a young spinner learning your art, the best way to do it is to bowl as much as you can."

Source: dna March 28, 2018 11:29 UTC