How Joe Root filled Ben Stokes’ funky shoes to help new-look England keep New Zealand in check

England faced New Zealand on the opening day of a Test match at the Kia Oval, with Joe Root standing in as captain in the absence of Ben Stokes. Root managed a reshuffled bowling attack effectively, helping restrict New Zealand to 284-7 after 75 overs on an entertaining first day. The performance highlighted Root's leadership credentials as England's stand-in skipper.