Ben Stokes’ return as England captain descended into a day of punishment before a late fightback gave his side new hope in the Rothesay Series decider at Trent Bridge.
Stokes, back to lead the side after a turbulent fortnight that saw him stood down for last week’s defeat at the Kia Oval, lost a crucial toss and saw the tourists post 361 for four in sweltering heat on a perfect batting pitch.
But it could easily have been much worse, all four wickets coming for the addition of 44 runs late on – including two off the last two balls of the day.
Stokes received a rousing welcome from the Nottingham public – reiterating the support he enjoys among the country’s cricket fans – but his comeback threatened to turn into a nightmare as twin hundreds from Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) flogged the bowlers in draining temperatures.
Together they put on 317 in 73 overs, the highest ever partnership for New Zealand against England, before finally departing in the space of seven balls. Stokes was the man to deliver the breakthrough, cramping Latham just outside off stump and snaring the edge, before Joe Root’s part-time spin drew Conway into a rare misjudgement.
There was a late gift from Rachin Ravindra as he top-edged a hook off Gus Atkinson before Henry Nicholls nicked Jofra Archer behind to leave the hosts smiling after a day of toil.
