Ben Stokes return will boost England against New Zealand- Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali feels the return of Ben Stokes will boost his side ahead of the Test series against New Zealand. Ali also feels the return of Stokes will provide much-needed balance and lifts the morale of the team.

Meanwhile, Stoke returned during the ODI series against New Zealand after a lengthy absence due to an affray charge. Further, he helped his side to win the series by 3-2 margin.

Stokes faces a late fitness test after sitting out the warm-up game against New Zealand XI due to an injury. Stokes also missed the Ashes series in Australia which England lost 4-0.

Stokes bring balance to the team:

Moeen added that Stokes bring the much-needed balance in the team. He also added with Stoke back everyone else gets a good lift.

“He’s always great for the team,” Moeen told The Telegraph. “The balance of the team is pretty much sorted when he’s in the team.

“It’s just having him in the side, knowing we’ve got a much stronger side when he’s playing. It gives everyone else a good lift, and obviously him being at slip for me, he’s very good in that position. He’s ready to go and ready to perform and give back to the team, which I’m sure he wants to do for what happened earlier,” he added.

Meanwhile, Moeen is expecting a tough challenge from the Kiwi side, who has quality players in their ranks.

However, Moeen will play his 50th Test match in New Zealand’s first home day-night test starting on Thursday in Auckland.

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