RICHARD GIBSON: Ben Stokes has either been a major cause for concern or Good Old Ben depending on which dressing room the reflection has come.

LAWRENCE BOOTH AT THE OVAL: As Henry Nicholls, with his 11th Test hundred, and Rachin Ravindra ground England into the dirt, it seemed improbable that New Zealand will not now win.

RICHARD GIBSON: In practice, bombing the tail just doesn't work for this England team, regardless of whether Ben Stokes or Joe Root is out there directing traffic.

It is anticipated that the regulator will recommend a one-match ban - applied retrospectively - meaning that both Stokes and Atkinson would come into the reckoning for the series finale.

LAWRENCE BOOTH AT THE OVAL: Joe Root's dismissal for 46 in the final session of the second day, quickly followed by the removal of Harry Brook, left England with serious work to do.

After two chastening international debuts last year, at the Oval it was very much third time lucky for Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker.

LAWRENCE BOOTH AT THE OVAL: New Zealand closed on 291 for seven after being asked to bat against England's least experienced pace attack since 2003.

LAWRENCE BOOTH: There are hospital passes - and then there's the task that awaits Joe Root this week as English cricket tries to recover from its latest bout of self-sabotage.

RICHARD GIBSON: Smith's second child was born on Tuesday, and he will now spend time with his young family, providing the chance for Somerset's James Rew to take the gloves.

When Jordan Cox finally makes his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval this week, he will complete an improbable journey that began with a show of bravado at the age of 10.

On the day England revealed several changes for Wednesday's second Test against New Zealand, McCullum insisted that his main concern was 'making sure Ben is fine'.