Stokes relishing top-six role

Stokes (92) and Root (98) shared a counter-attacking stand of 161 to help the hosts turn a perilous 30 for four into 354 for seven at stumps on day one of the first Investec Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

It marked a remarkable upturn in fortunes for the all-rounder at this venue, where he made nought in both innings 10 months ago against India and was subsequently dropped before England fought back to win that series.

Stokes is relishing the prospect of batting in the top six, and has vowed to make sure he stays there.

"It is (important to me), because I feel it gives me more responsibility," he said.

"It's nice to be given the confidence by the coach and the captain.

"It's a place I'm more familiar with. I hope I can make number six my spot in the team, and nail it down."

He certainly ensured, despite the loss of Jos Buttler for 67 to the final delivery of the day, that England closed the first day of their Ashes summer on top.

Stokes added: "Lord's is always renowned for swinging early doors, and the pitch was quite green.

"So we knew it was always going to be tough up front with the new ball.

"So no matter what the start, you know you can always finish the day on a high if you get a couple of guys in.

"We are probably on top."

Recalling last summer's travails, New Zealand-born Stokes added: "I bagged a pair last time I was here, so things couldn't have got any worse really.

"It's always nice to come back to a place where it hasn't gone too well and then put a performance in for the team."

He is a more mature cricketer, and person, these days to the one who infamously missed the start of the 2014 season after punching a Bridgetown locker in frustration at making a golden duck.

"Punching the locker was a stupid moment and something, I hope, I'll never do again - because lockers are generally harder than bones and wrists," he said, with a rueful smile.

Asked to recall his reaction at narrowly missing his second Test hundred after being bowled playing no shot, Stokes said: "I'm not sure I can say without using swear words.

"It was obviously disappointing to get out so close to a hundred at Lord's."

Kiwi debutant seamer Matt Henry took three wickets on his first day of Test cricket, but concedes the tourists lost their way a little against Root and Stokes.

"We let them off the hook a bit," he said. "We got a little bit two sides of the wicket.

"The way we started was great. We asked some good questions, but then England fought back very well."