‘It would have been very easy’, Joe says Stokes captaincy is ‘brilliant and brave’

England declared on the morning of the second day at 435–8, with Harry Brook’s top score of 186 and Joe Root’s 153 not out; James Anderson (3-37) and Jack Leach (3-45) then did damage with the ball to leave New Zealand on 138-7 when rain ended the day’s play early. Joe Root described Ben Stokes‘ announcement as ‘brilliant and brave’ as England took control of the second Test against New Zealand.

Joe Root said –

“I think it was a great call from Ben. It would have been very easy for us to keep going and, if we had, we probably wouldn’t be sitting down here with him seven. Credit to him, he walked so naturally In the role, he is managing the game really well and everyone is responding to that.”

England resumed on 315-3 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and Root led with 153no as Stokes declared at 435-8 just before lunch. The announcement turned the game towards England, just as it did against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in December and Mount Maunganui last week. After rain stopped two days earlier, New Zealand trailed 138-7 and Root praised Stokes’ ability to influence the game.

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Root said – “It seemed a very brave and attacking choice. Full credit to Ben, as you would expect, for taking it. The decisions he’s making under pressure, the way he’s managing the team and his players Well, he’s as good as I’ve seen.”

Root further said –

“He’s such a big game player and there will be a situation where we stand up against that, and he stands up and delivers. It’s just a matter of timing in my eyes. Ultimately, I think that’s more important.” He is contributing as a leader at the moment because he is getting the best out of the other 10 players, and that in itself is huge for this team.