Wednesday 28 March 2018 08:19, UK
With Ben Stokes unlikely to return to full all-rounder duties for England’s second Test against New Zealand, former captain Michael Atherton believes both fast bowler Mark Wood and spinner Jack Leach should be given an opportunity.
Stokes had been expected to bowl during the first Test in Auckland - which England lost by an innings and 49 runs - after coming through late fitness tests following a stiff back.
However, the all-rounder was limited to batting and was one of five players that failed to score during a disastrous first innings of 58 all out.
New Zealand managed 427 in reply with Stokes unable to join the bowling line-up, and Atherton says Wood and Leach could offer England something different in attack.
"Spin hasn't played much of a role yet. The seamers for New Zealand have generally done the damage and the balance of the side is the issue for England," he said.
"With Ben Stokes, I don't think he will be able to play a full role as an all-rounder. If he bowls, it is going to be the odd over here and there.
"If they want to play Wood and Leach, and I think they should as I think this is an opportunity to look at Jack Leach because England need a spinner going forward, then it means that they are going to have a long tail.
"But you can't balance it if Ben Stokes is only playing as a batsman."
