Win against New Zealand massively important but going to be a long ride: Ben Stokes

LONDON: All-rounder Ben Stokes got his full-time Test captaincy era to a winning start after defeating New Zealand by five wickets at Lord's but insisted that England's new era in the longest format of the game will be a long ride.

"It was massively important but it's going to be a long ride. It's not going to happen overnight, we'll have tough times, no doubt. But it's about how we respond. The way that Leesy (Alex Lees) came out and played yesterday, it was only 20 but it was the best he'd looked in an England shirt," said Stokes after the match.

"Amazing. A great Test match. It always seems to be, England vs New Zealand - especially at Lord's. Regardless of being captain, the first Test of the summer always has a special buzz about it. It was a special week with all the build-up and to come away with the win makes it even better," added Stokes.

Asked how things have been under new head coach, ex-New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, Stokes remarked, "It's been pretty good. The language he (McCullum) uses in the press is similar to what he uses up in the changing room. We're happy leaving here with a win but one thing that everyone needs to take into account is that it's a change of mindset for everyone and it's not something that's going to happen overnight." IANS

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