Ben Stokes assures everyone about his fitness status ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. The last encounter between the two teams at Basin Reserve in February 2023 was one of the closest matches ever witnessed, with New Zealand clinching victory by a single run. Stokes, who struggled with knee issues that required surgery last winter, has faced some fitness setbacks recently, missing games due to a torn hamstring and experiencing soreness in the last match in Christchurch.
Stokes felt back soreness during a recent game but has since recovered and is ready for the upcoming match. He emphasized the importance of listening to his body and not pushing beyond limits, given his age and experience. Despite being part of a thrilling finish in the last match at Wellington, his focus now is solely on achieving victory in any way possible.
Stokes was part of an unforgettable near miss in Wellington last year
Reflecting on the past match, Stokes acknowledges the memorable experience but emphasizes the current focus on achieving victory. He praises the top batters in the ICC rankings and predicts a fierce competition between them. Stokes looks forward to a successful game as England aims to win an away series after two years.
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Both teams have announced unchanged lineups, with England’s focus on securing a series win. The article closes with information on the launch of Sky Sports+, which offers viewers access to more live sports with no extra cost.
