England expect more from Stokes

Ben Stokes will find himself the centre of attention when England face his native New Zealand in the second Test at Headingley on Friday.

His 85-ball hundred, the fastest Test century ever scored at Lord’s in terms of balls faced, played a key role in turning the tide of the series opener, which England won by 124 runs to go 1-0 up in the two-match contest on Monday.

The 23-year-old had already helped rescue England from the depths of 30 for four in their first innings by making 92 while adding 161 with Joe Root (98).

And, just for good measure, the Durham man, who came to England with his family as a 12-year-old, took three for 38 on Monday’s final day, including the wickets of danger man Kane Williamson and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in successive balls. But Root, like Stokes one of several young players who shone for England at Lord’s including debutant fast bowler Mark Wood, is confident the all-rounder won’t get carried away with the hype that followed his second Test century, which came some 18 months after his first, in Perth.

“He will be fine,” said Root of Stokes.

“When he is batting, he is a free spirit; he goes and plays his shots and puts sides under pressure.

“Even in times of struggle, when we are 30 for four, he came out and put them on the back foot,” vice-captain Root added.