England’s pace bowler Josh Tongue says the team has missed absent captain Ben Stokes as the second Test against New Zealand moves toward a likely home defeat. Stokes does not play the match after not being selected following a breach of team protocols, and outlets describe his absence as a significant factor in England’s struggle during the Oval Test. Tongue acknowledges England felt the loss of Stokes’ influence, including during a day when they lost wickets and moved closer to the edge of defeat.
By the fourth day, England are reported to be on 182 for five in their second innings, with New Zealand having posted 362 in that innings, leaving England facing a large deficit of 281 to win. Joe Root leads England during Stokes’ absence as interim captain, and reports note Root’s batting contribution and his 14,000th Test run milestone earlier in the match cycle. Other coverage also highlights that Stokes is playing for Durham in the County Championship while England continue without him.
