THE OVAL — Even with five changes to England’s XI, including three debutants, and Joe Root leading the team for the first time in four years, this opening day of the second Test against New Zealand felt like it was all about Ben Stokes.
That’s despite an encouraging return to Test cricket for Jofra Archer and decent debuts from effervescent fast bowler Sonny Baker and wicketkeeper James Rew.
That’s because the shadow of Stokes loomed large over everything this new-look team did at The Oval.
Amid the rancour and uncertainty currently eating English cricket from the inside, it’s easy to forget that the Test summer started with a victory at Lord’s 10 days ago.
Yet that now seems a lifetime ago. BRR – Before Rex Rooms – if you will.
