Cockermouth all-rounder Stokes, who has been suffering with a stiff back, had to test his fitness indoors yesterday after showers put Auckland’s Eden Park nets off limits.
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman said: “His plan is to bowl today and tomorrow outdoors.
"If he comes through, which he is expected to, he will bowl in the Auckland Test.”
Former England captain Andrew Strauss, meanwhile, has praised Stokes’ courage as Strauss backed the 26-year-old to remind everyone of his talents in his first competitive red-ball match for England in more than six months.
“It’s been a very difficult one for us to deal with but, thankfully, I think we’re through it now,” said ECB director of cricket Strauss to Sky Sports .
“Ben’s doing what he does best.
"He's representing England with an unbelievable amount of courage, passion, determination and motivation.
"He is going to put in some more match-winning performances over the coming months and remind everyone, I suppose, of what he can do in an England shirt."
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