24 Feb 2018

Stokes likely for first ODI

3:18 pm on 24 February 2018

Ben Stokes remains on course for his England comeback in the first one-day international against New Zealand in Hamilton.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes. Photo: Photosport

Eoin Morgan stopped short of confirming the all-rounder will face the Black Caps on Sunday, only because Stokes was still bowling in the nets when the England captain addressed the press on the eve of the series opener.

But Morgan reiterated only a last-minute injury hitch could prevent Stokes featuring in his first international match since he was arrested after an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub five months ago.

"He's bowling out the back at the minute," said Morgan.

"If he comes through fine today and unscathed tomorrow and a low risk of getting injured on Sunday, then he'll be fit to play."

Stokes' return appears highly likely to spell the omission of Alex Hales at the top of the order.

Joe Root has no doubt Ben Stokes can put his off-field troubles behind him and rediscover his "magnificent" form for England.

Root told Sky Sports News it is an enormous boost to have the 26-year-old back.

"He's obviously a close friend of mine, I've played a lot of cricket with him," he said.

"He's done some magnificent things for England in the past and I look at what he's capable of doing in the future.

"That's the way I'm seeing Ben now, I'm sure he's got a lot of drive and determination to put in some really strong performances in the future and to almost get back to where he was at the back end of the summer."

- PA