“Very privileged to be in command” – Ben Stokes lauds bowling team following 267-run victory over New Zealand

Ben Stokes and company defeated New Zealand in Mount Maunganui by a decisive 267-run margin thanks to an outstanding bowling effort by the English team. Ben Stokes, who led England to a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, was overjoyed to be “in charge” of the bowling attack under the direction of the devastating seam duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

In the final inning, the speed combo took up the New Zealand batting order, limiting the team to a meagre 126 runs. When chasing a staggering 394 runs in the final innings, the BlackCaps raced from 63 for five to 126 all out in rapid succession, courtesy of Anderson and Broad. Stokes, who was overjoyed to have led the bowling unit to a resounding 267-run victory, praised the group and said he felt “fortunate” to be in that position.

“When Jimmy (James Anderson) and Broady (Stuart Broad) get that new ball talking like they did, it’s difficult for everyone. I am extremely fortunate to currently be in command of our bowling team. On the field, however, the objective is to take 10 wickets, and that is what we must strive for. We have a philosophy with both the bat and the ball. “It’s about taking 10 wickets and not caring too much about how many runs they score,” Stokes said at the post-game presentation.

Well-executed under the spotlights: Ben Stokes

During the run chase, Stokes also noted that the pace bowling unit made crucial breakthroughs during the day/night Test’s twilight, when the pink ball provided more assistance.

“Another excellent performance was given. We were quite clinical with the bat and, naturally, with the ball. When you consider our bowling attack, with this pink ball and especially under the lights, we executed everything as planned. When you have bowlers like Broad and Jimmy in your bowling attack, it is always difficult for the opposition to bat,” said the captain.

Significantly, Anderson and Broad have taken 1004 wickets together, breaking the previous record of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne from Australia (1001).