Stokes is ‘man of the match’

BEN Stokes said he was “emotional” after being named man of the match in his second game back for England.

He took 2-42, claimed two run-outs and made 63 not out as England beat New Zealand by six wickets in Tauranga to level the one-day series at 1-1.

Stokes, who faces a trial for affray over an incident in Bristol in September, returned after five months out in Sunday’s series opener.

“I wanted to make sure I wasn’t letting anyone down,” said Stokes, 26.

The all-rounder, who came to the crease with England 86-3, helped seal victory with 12.1 overs to spare at Bay Oval.

“Our team are so close that it felt like I’d never been away,” he told BBC Test Match Special.

“I kept in contact with everyone and then coming back into the changing room was really easy. We’ve got a brilliant team and they just made it feel as normal as ever.

“Personally, there was a bit more emotion than there normally is because that’s where I’ve been working to whilst I’ve been at home, so it was a really good feeling walking off at the end.”

Stokes missed England’s tour of Australia and appeared in court last month on a charge of affray. He is contesting the charge.

The first hearing of his trial is scheduled for March 12 in Bristol, although he is not required to return to the UK to attend it.