New Zealand vs England 2018: Ben Stokes' Fitness To Decide England's Playing XI For First Test

The availability of Ben Stokes for the first Test against New Zealand will determine the playing XI of England.

Stokes did not bowl in the two two-day practice games against New Zealand XI, which has raised few questions over his fitness.

As per a report in Stuf.co.nz, if Stokes is fit to bowl, then England will play an extra batsman in the form of James Vince, who will continue to bat at three.

However, if Stokes is deemed unfit to bowl, then England will need a pacer, and it will be Craig Overton who will walk in the playing XI, the report adds.

Stokes, who will play his first Test after returning to international cricket, is all set to find a place in the playing XI, but England will sweat over his fitness.

The 26-year-old performs the dual role for his team, and his fitness can have a great impact on team’s playing combination.

Talking of Vince and Overton, both of them were part of the side in Ashes 2017/18.

Vince made a surprising comeback to the national side and scored 242 runs in the series.

Overton, who made his debut during the series, scalped six wickets.

He was ruled out after playing two Tests due to a fractured rib.

He has made his comeback to the side for the New Zealand series.

Should Stokes be fit, Overton will have to wait for his comeback to the national side.

The two-match Test series between New Zealand and England starts on March 22, with the first Test to be played at Eden Park, Auckland.

The first contest will be a day/night contest which will be played with a pink ball.

The second and the last Test of the series will be played from March 30 to April 3 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

England won the ODI series by a margin of 3-2 that preceded the Test series.

Here is the news feed –

Nidahas Trophy 2018: IND vs BAN- Match Prediction

BCCI announces massive pay hike for Indian domestic players