Morgan stoked by Ben’s return

His bat may have been bare, but Ben Stokes still showed plenty in his much-awaited international return.

The allrounder played his first match for England since September in his side’s three-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton on Sunday.

Stokes had been sidelined from international duty after an incident in Bristol resulted in him being charged with affray last month. Stokes pleaded not guilty and the case was referred to Bristol Crown Court, with an initial hearing on March 12, with Stokes having a request not to have to appear in person granted.

His display at Seddon Park ‘‘really pleased’’ captain Eoin Morgan.

After making just 12 off 22 balls with the bat in England’s innings of 284-8, Stokes took 2-43 with the ball from eight overs. His wickets of Tom Latham and Colin de Grandhomme swung the match their way, but Mitchell Santner’s late heroics claimed the win for the Black Caps.

‘‘I thought he adapted to conditions perfectly well, using slower balls well and it was something that we struggled to do while their partnership evolved,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘Two [wickets] on the bounce causes pressure in the changing room and shifts momentum a lot. Allows us to bring [legspinner] Adil [Rashid] into the game later on too.’’

Along with the slower balls, Stokes did register 142kph on the radar too.

‘‘He travelled really well,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘After the first spell he said he could have bowled longer, but we didn’t really need him at that stage. We needed something to happen, and he’s the kind of player who can make something happen. He will certainly pull up stiff tomorrow.’’

Stokes came out with a blank bat he lost his New Balance sponsorship post-Bristol - and played a patchy innings, but Morgan said the 26-yearold was ‘‘delighted to be back’’.