England have decided to retain James Anderson as vice-captain instead of handing the role back to Ben Stokes for two Tests against New Zealand.

Evergreen seamer Anderson replaced Cumbrian Stokes for this winter's Ashes, once it became clear the all-rounder would not be available.

Stokes, from Cockermouth, missed the 4-0 defeat to Australia, while he waited to discover if he would be charged over a late-night incident outside a Bristol bar last September.

He rejoined England in New Zealand only once he had indicated a not guilty plea to affray at Bristol Magistrates' Court last month.

Stokes learned on Monday, after a hearing at Bristol Crown Court, that he will face trial in August on a charge of affray alongside two other men, and England have now announced Anderson will once again be Joe Root's deputy for a two-match campaign which starts in Auckland next week.

Stokes will sit out the opening two-day warm-up match in Hamilton against a strong NZ XI due to a minor back injury.

Speaking after England's practice session in Hamilton, for the two warm-up matches over the next four days, Anderson said: "I'm delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series."

As in Australia, England's all-time leading wicket-taker stressed that the extra responsibility will have no major bearing on the way he conducts himself.

"Being a vice-captain doesn't make me behave any differently in the dressing-room or on the field," said Anderson.

"It doesn't change my role in the team a huge amount.

"I see myself as a senior player and I'm there for people if they need advice.

"Certainly if Joe needs help on the field, I'm there for him."

After it emerged that Stokes is set to miss next summer's showpiece Lord's Test against India because of a clash with his trial date, it appears likely Anderson will be re-engaged again as vice-captain once back home.

Asked about that prospect, he said: "I honestly don't mind.

"It's totally down to Joe.

"It's an honour that he's asked me ... (but) I'm not looking further than these two Test matches."