ROOT GOES SOUL SEARCHING AS STOKES FACES RACE TO BE FIT

JOE ROOT admitted England would undergo some ‘soul searching’ after another crushing defeat. ‘It was a massive task coming back from a first innings that was bitterly disappointing but the character the guys showed was a step forward and we need to be better in Christchurch,’ said Root. ‘It’s important we do some soul searching and get things right.’ Root told his players to display some pride ahead of the last day, and was satisfied with their commitment. ‘I asked the guys at the start to show everyone how much it meant to them to play for England and we got that from the guys,’ said Root. ‘It’s not for lack of trying. We’ve got to continue with our work ethic and look to improve, and the first opportunity to do that is the second Test. When we get an opportunity, a couple of guys (must) really stand up.’ England have another fitness worry over Ben Stokes, who again suffered soreness in his back and faces a fight to be fit to play an all-round role in time for the second Test in his home city. ‘He had some treatment and I’m not sure the extent of how bad it is,’ said Root. ‘It’s day to day with Ben’s back. That assessment will continue and if he’s not fit to play he won’t. ‘He showed a lot of maturity in the way he went about things and he’ll be very disappointed with his dismissal. But he played exceptionally well and I don’t think the way he got out was a fair reflection of the way he got stuck in.’