Cumbrian Ben Stokes’ fitness will decide England’s line-up when they take on New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland.

All eyes will be on explosive all-rounder Stokes, from Cockermouth, after he stroked 27 off 32 balls against a New Zealand XI.

Stokes proved his fitness for Thursday’s first day-night cricket test in New Zealand as a batsman at least but was expected to try out his bowling abilities today.

His bowling remains troublesome with his stiff back and Stokes didn’t fire down a single on-field delivery in four days, two warm-up matches, at Seddon Park, which leaves several selection options.

England opener Alastair Cook said: “He had a brief bowl on Saturday morning – about 18 ‘walk throughs’ or balls delivered in slow motion – which was ahead of schedule for his recovery from a stiff back.”