Stuart Broad says England’s hammering by New Zealand at The Oval shows how much the team need Ben Stokes and that the captain will be “hurt” knowing that his absence significantly contributed to such a heavy defeat.
Stokes was withdrawn from the second Test after breaking a midnight curfew he was part of establishing when he and team-mate Gus Atkinson ventured to a London nightclub after the 115-run win over the Black Caps in the series opener at Lord’s.
A side shorn of Stokes and Atkinson, which featured three debutants and a raw pace attack with Ollie Robinson also out through injury and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith on paternity leave, were thumped by 253 runs as New Zealand levelled the series.
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Highlights from day five of the second Test at The Kia Oval as England slumped to a 253-run defeat without Stokes
Stokes is set to return as captain for the final Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday, taking over from interim skipper Joe Root.
When asked whether he feels the 35-year-old still wants to lead England, Sky Sports pundit Broad said: “I think he does. I am sure he feels very driven and focused.
“New Zealand winning by 253 runs will hurt Stokes, even though he is not in the city. He will be in Durham feeling a lot of pain as he will know this result is a result of his actions.
“I think England cricket needs him and I think this week has proven this team needs him, so I hope he feels motivated to give it a good crack.
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Head coach Brendon McCullum confirms that Stokes is set to return as captain for the final Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday
“I’m sure he has spoken to most of the guys in that team, although he has not said anything of note publicly.
“I am sure there will be an apology face to face when they meet up and then move on. Say sorry, say it was a mistake and focus on winning the series.”
‘Stokes doesn’t need to look too far ahead’
Stokes has only scored one Test century since the summer of 2023 and made scores of nought and 12 against New Zealand at Lord’s, but earned some valuable time in the middle with Durham while his international colleagues toiled at The Oval.
The all-rounder thumped 95 from 118 balls against Northamptonshire in a County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.
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Stokes smoked 95 from 118 balls in the County Championship while playing for Durham against Northamptonshire
Broad added: “At his age he doesn’t have to look too far ahead, he doesn’t have to sit in his next press conference and go, ‘I will captain England in the 2027 Ashes’.
“He can focus series by series and see how his form is. What he won’t want to do is be in the team just for his captaincy and feel like he is not delivering with the bat or ball, as he is that leader who grabs the game by the scruff of the neck.
“If he feels he can’t do that and say ‘come with me’ then it is the right time, whenever that may be, for him to step aside. But my view is that whatever the runs are, he gets in the team as a bowler.”
England have not lost a home Test series since going down 1-0 to New Zealand in the summer of 2021, while they have not been beaten in a contest of three or more matches on their own turf since a 2-0 reverse against South Africa back in 2012.
Matt Henry took 11 wickets in the match as New Zealand levelled the Test series in style at The Oval
After the 4-1 Ashes humbling in Australia over the winter, and a chaotic recent few weeks, Broad said the Trent Bridge Test is vital.
The former England seamer added: “That result is really important. If it’s a 2-1 loss versus New Zealand at home, then there will be a huge amount of questions over everything.
“We know sport is a results-driven business and If they win 2-1, then you move on like nothing’s ever happened.”
Watch the third Test between England and New Zealand, at Trent Bridge, live from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball) on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Get instant access with NOW – no contract.
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