Root to bat at 4 against NZ

England’s key batter will again change his spot in the batting line-up for the upcoming test series versus New Zealand. New England captain Ben Stokes confirmed that the man he replaced as skipper, Joe Root, will bat at No 4 in the three-test series which starts at Lord’s on June 2. Root occupied the first-drop spot in England’s 1-0 series loss in three tests against the West Indies in the Caribbean recently and made two centuries there, after batting at No 4 during the 4-0 Ashes loss last summer. The 31-year-old also batted at No.4 against the Black Caps in their two-test series in England last year, won 1-0 by the touring side. Stokes also confirmed he would bat at No 6 against the Black Caps.

The Warriors have offset the loss of Kodi Nikorima to the South Sydney Rabbitohs by adding just-signed Sydney Roosters halfback Ronald Volkman to their squad. Roosters hooker Freddy Lussick will also join the Warriors with immediate effect. The 19-year-old Volkman’s three-year contract from 2023 through to 2025 was announced last week, but he will now link up with the Warriors early. Team-mate Lussick, 21, has been secured on a contract to the end of 2022 campaign. Both players joined the Warriors in Redcliffe yesterday. ‘‘We were keen to have Ronald onboard for the rest of this season rather than waiting for 2023. It’s beneficial for him and for us to have him settled into the club sooner rather than later.’’ Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges said. ‘‘And Freddy brings NRL experience out of the Roosters’ system to add more support in the dummy half ranks to Wayde Egan and Taniela Otukolo.’’ Meanwhile, the Warriors confirmed yesterday they had granted Nikorima, 28, an immediate release from his contract, as predicted by Stuff last week. Nikorima was signed to the end of this season, and his release frees up the Warriors’ salary cap for next year.