Kiwi fans offer a companionable gesture to Ben Stokes during the 1st ODI

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has gone through a lot of horrific and disappointing experiences off the cricket field in the past six months, which has also somewhat affected his image on the field. Amidst the criticism and all the bewildering talks, Stokes is still one of the best all-rounders in the game currently in the modern era, as believed by many and the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson also mentioned the same when he addressed the media before the 1st ODI against England.

It was for the first time since the Bristol brawl incident in September last year, the English all-rounder took the field in his national colors in the first ODI match against the home Kiwi side on Sunday in Hamilton.

Stokes witnesses a friendly welcome back to the field

As seen in recent times, the thousands of cricket fans in New Zealand have always offered their support and a loving nature towards all the sportsmen, who have visited the nation from several different parts of the world. The whole atmosphere at all the various cricket stadium has been terrific and appealing for the eye-catchers.

The same kind of high energetic intensity was felt when two of the most competitive teams in the sport, the host Kiwi team, and the visiting England team took the field on Sunday at the Seddon Park for the 1st ODI of the five-match limited overs series.

On his return to international cricket, Stokes also received a friendly welcome from some of the Kiwi fans present at the stadium, while one of the people from the crowd also shouted “Best of luck, Stokesy!”, wishing him all the best when the left-hander was going out to bat.

However, Stokes was able to score only 12 runs off 22 balls in his returning encounter, while from his side Joe Root and wicket-keeper batsman Jos Butter scored fine half-centuries to get their side towards a fighting total of 284-8 in the ODI match. England started things will the balls in a handsome manner as they reduced the hosts for 27-3 inside 10 overs.

But then the duo of Ross Taylor and wicket-keeper Tom Latham led the fightback for the Kiwis with a massive 178-run partnership for the fourth wicket. After their dismissals, all-rounder Mitchell Santner took his team over the line with a fine cameo of an unbeaten 45 runs off 27 balls in the end.

New Zealand won the match by 3 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. English all-rounders Chris Woakes and Stokes claimed two wickets each in the run chase.