‘Emotional’ Ben Stokes stars as England level ODI series

England all-rounder Ben Stokes put in a man-of-the-match performance as the tourists beat New Zealand by six wickets to pull level in the one-day international (ODI) series.

The hosts were all out for 223 from 49.4 overs with Mitchell Santner (63) and Martin Guptill (50) starring with the bat. It was not enough, though, as England reached 225-4 off 37.5 overs to secure the win. Stokes scored 63 not out and captain Eoin Morgan hit 62, but it was England’s fielding performance in Tauranga that made the difference.

The ODI series is now level at 1-1 and the teams will face each other next in game three on Saturday in Wellington (1am start UK time).

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Stokes was playing his second match since returning to the England side after missing the Ashes in Australia because of his arrest following an incident in Bristol.

As well as scoring 63 not out he also took two wickets and was involved in two run-outs in today’s victory. The 26-year-old told Sky Sports it was an “emotional” experience for him.

He said: “I was a bit emotional walking off that field being not out. It’s an amazing feeling to be back in among the team. It was the one place I wanted to be - back and representing my country.

“It has been frustrating but it’s all about building for the future. Hopefully this is a stepping stone, with all the games we’ve got coming up.”

England skipper Morgan added: “We certainly raised our level of intensity and particularly set the tone early on with the ball, and that was backed up by our efforts in the field. It’s as good a fielding performance as we could have ever hoped for.

“Ben Stokes is a big character, he lifts everybody in the side when he plays like that so it’s great to see him back in fine form.”

Stokes’s performance earned praise by fans and pundits on social media.

Welcome back, said England’s Barmy Army

A great day for Stokes.

“An all-round display”.

“Just what we needed in Australia”.

“He’s just shut a lot of people up”.

2018 England cricket tour of New Zealand

New Zealand vs. England: ODI and Test fixtures

• 1st ODI (Hamilton): New Zealand won by three wickets
• 2nd ODI (Tauranga): England won by six wickets
• 3 March: 3rd ODI, Wellington (1am)
• 6 March: 4th ODI, Dunedin (10pm)
• 9 March: 5th ODI, Christchurch (10pm)
• 22 March: 1st Test, Auckland (1am)
• 29 March: 2nd Test, Christchurch (11pm)

How to watch England cricket matches on TV

Sky Sports will show live coverage of England’s tour of New Zealand, including ODI and Test matches.