Stuart Broad Admits England Missed Ben Stokes Badly In Defeat To New Zealand

Former England pacer Stuart Broad believes New Zealand’s emphatic 253-run win will hit Ben Stokes hard, even though he wasn’t with the team. Broad said that Stokes would be hurting back in Durham, aware that the result stemmed from the circumstances that led to his absence.

Stokes was withdrawn from the second Test after breaching a midnight curfew that he himself had helped establish as part of team guidelines. The incident occurred after he and teammate Gus Atkinson visited a London nightclub after England’s 115-run victory over the Black Caps in the series opener at Lord’s, according to reports.

A team missing Stokes and Atkinson and featuring three debutants along with a depleted and inexperienced pace attack, further weakened by the absence

of Ollie Robinson because of injury and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith on paternity leave, were defeated by 253 runs as New Zealand levelled the series.

“I think he does. I am sure he feels very driven and focused. New Zealand winning by 253 runs will hurt Stokes, even though he isn’t in the city. He will be in Durham feeling a lot of pain as he will know this result is a result of his actions,” Broad said while speaking on Sky Sports.

“I think England cricket needs him and I think this week has proven this team needs him, so I hope he feels motivated to give it a good crack. I am sure he has spoken to most of the guys in that team, although he hasn’t said anything of note publicly,” Broad added.

Stokes has scored just one Test century since the summer of 2023 and managed scores of 0 and 12 against New Zealand at Lord’s, but still gained valuable time in the middle while representing Durham, as his England teammates struggled at The Oval.